>>> Anyhow I have a 604ev based machine (ANS 700) that has been running a 
>>> 1.6.2 kernel since april 2004:

NetBSD was misreporting the processor for a long time - it reported 604e 
machines as 604ev. I don't think that's the problem, though.

>> Try this - get the latest 1.6.2, run build.sh with -D somewhere other than 
>> /. Then, try to chroot to whatever you used for -D. See if you can do 
>> anything without dumping core.

> I can not do this right now, is a production system. I will be replaced by 
> newer hardware soon, and then I might give it a try.

Not even in a separate chroot? I highlt doubt that the problem would be 
specific to 604ev processors as compared with 604e, but another data point 
would be good.

John