Overcoming my fear of Eurovans

For years I avoided working on Eurovans. I didn't think they were bad vehicles, but as someone deeply entreched in the world of classic Volkswagens, I stuck to what I knew. Beetles, Buses, and Vanagons. The Eurovan with it's modern engineering and front engine design, felt unfamiliar, and intimidating. I fell back on calling them "urinal vans", and laughed it off.

They were out of my comfort zone, and seemed like more trouble than it was worth. I was worried about parts availabillity, and a simple job turning into a weeklong nightmare. So for a long time I simply said "I dont work on Eurovans". 

This changed recently when I aquired a really nice Eurovan with a blown transmission. I decided it was time to learn, and with the great help I have at my shop, felt confident that we could get into these things with success. I purchased another Euro with a bad motor, and a recently rebuilt transmission. Within a week, we removed two engines, and two transmissions. We became familiar with the quirks, tricks, and best of all I got to look at the beast in the eyes. I relalized the monster isn't that scary after a long, good look.

I'm currently becoming familiar with timing chains, and other work best done with the engine out. I won't say yet that I love the Euro, or the work involved, but I feel more confident in my abilty to serve the Euro community, and will begin receiving these more often. Its different from the classic Vanagons, and Buses I love, but they still carry the VW spirit.

To be continued...