Tales from Rohan

I have a Volkswagen because when I bought it, it was the only brand of newish small diesel car available for sale in California. VW loves to use a lot of cheap plastic parts where a small piece of metal, a rubber hose, or even a sturdier piece of plastic would be much more appropriate. Here are just a few examples:

1) About two years ago, I managed to snap a little plastic piece called the “anti-shudder valve rod” when cleaning my EGR valve which was very, very gunked up. I called the dealer hoping to buy a new one. No you can’t buy this part, you have to replace the entire EGR valve for about $250.

This happens so often to mechanics and hobbyists that there are numerous solutions on the TDI Forum about how to repair this part. This example used superglue, a piece of aluminum from a soda can, and some shrink tubing.

2) On my roadtrip this summer, I started loosing brake boost because VW used this piece of crap plastic pipe (which cracked) instead of a traditional piece of rubber hose that I bought for $2 retail.

3) Yesterday, changing an air filter, I found this foam gasket which was disintegrating and causing a vacuum leak. Of course this part cannot be purchased sepately. You need to buy the whole air cleaner assembly. Alex came up with the brilliant solution of making a new one with duct tape and cardboard (works great!).

And don’t get me started talking about how much I hate spring clamps!

Hi-yaa!!! Sorry for the poor quality. I’ll see what I can do.

About three weeks ago, I started taking an Acroyoga class, and I am having a blast. Acroyoga is a mixture of yoga, acrobatics and Thai massage.

Here is picture of Jamie (the “base”) flying Melanie on his arms and Paige on his legs.

I’ll try to get more cool photos soon (with me in some of them even).