Well, That Was Disgusting

A few days ago, the Bug started making a strange grinding sound when I would turn the engine on.

It was only happening every other start, and it was running fine, otherwise, so I didn't think too much of it.

Today, it got worse. A lot worse. So, I took it over to the mechie, and let him listen.

"Bad starter," he said, got me the part, and sent me on my way.

I knew the starter was a fairly simple job to replace. Bug innards are crowded, but I'm small enough to comfortably crawl under the Bug without a jack, and worm my hands up inside without too much trouble. What I really didn't stop to consider is that Bugs are also absolutely filthy.

There's a running gag that VWs will keep on trucking, even if their bodies are literally nothing but rot and rust, because the engines leak oil so badly that they preserve themselves even in the harshest, wettest conditions.

Having spent an hour (or more) getting completely covered in oil, grime, rust flakes, and whatever weird sludge settles on wiring, I 100% believe this. My hands were black. The entire side of one arm was black. I got grease on my face, rust in my mouth, and gravel in my hair. I've showered, and still feel oily.

At least I won't rust.