Date:         Wed, 30 Aug 2000 22:29:30 EDT
Reply-To:     VintagePkr@AOL.COM
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Keith Olsen <VintagePkr@AOL.COM>
Subject:      ATF down,  coolant up and over... radiator?
Comments: To: dmc@cyburban.com
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="US-ASCII"

Hi all,
It looks like my 87 Vanagon has its eyes on my bank account again.  I put my
87 into "R" and heard the  light, high pitched groan that told me the ATF was
low.  Upon putting 1.5 quarts in I drove it for about 2 days and heard the
sound again. again the dipstick was low but I didnt see any sign of leakage
underneath and so I put another quart in and noticed that coolant expansion
tank was now way over the full mark.   It would seem that  the diagnosis is a
faulty radiator that is letting ATF mingle with coolant.  I'm thinking
straight radiator replacement...seems like a no brainer but before I annoy my
wife with suggesting that another bucket of money be poured into this
machine, I would love to hear the chorus of second opinions backing up my
theory.
This time make it with 4 part harmony and FEELING!  lets hear it!
(obscure Alice's Restaurant massacree reference)
Keith Olsen
87 wolfsburg vanagon "Buzzo"
85 golf diesel
79 loaf