Date:         Fri, 11 Oct 2002 17:47:37 -0400
Reply-To:     Marla Stelk <mjstelk@HOTMAIL.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Marla Stelk <mjstelk@HOTMAIL.COM>
Subject:      Re: coolant change
Content-Type: text/plain; format=flowed

Hi Pat,

Check the archives - there is a ton of really good info. on how to bleed and
refill your van.  Fortunately, the 87's are somewhat self-bleeding in that
after you follow procedures, if you drive it up and down some hills for
about an hour it should be good to go.  The Bentley manual actually has a
pretty clear description with pics as to how to bleed and refill your
system, too.  From what I've heard recently online is that the Sierra
coolant, which is the cheaper phosphate-free coolant that I have gotten from
NAPA is not so great.  However, it was all I could get where I live - no VW
dealers nearby and expensive to ship.  However, next time I'm near a VW
place, I'm going to stock up on their coolant.  Again, you should be able to
find this discussion in the archives as well.  Whatever you get, make sure
it is phosphate free or you can do damage to your heads.

I would also recommend checking your hoses before you refill the van.  If
they are in as bad shape as mine were, you might as well replace them all
while your at it.  It took me two times breaking down because of bad hoses
and subsequently two really expensive off the interstate mechanic bills
before I decided to just bite the bullet and replace them all myself - best
thing I ever did because I discovered a major blockage in one of my hoses by
the thermostat.

Good luck!

Peace,
Marla
'87 Westy Van "Morrison"



>From: Pat Callaghan <patcal@CYBCON.COM>
>Reply-To: Pat Callaghan <patcal@CYBCON.COM>
>To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
>Subject: coolant change
>Date: Fri, 11 Oct 2002 07:36:36 -0700
>
>Hi,
>
>     As a new 87 westy owner, all the discussion about coolant is a little
>unsettling.  I have never owned a waterpumper VW before.  I have always had
>air-cooled.  Now I am about to change my coolant for the first time.  Where
>can I buy the coolant & what is the brand name?  Do I need to go to the
>dealer or are there other sources?  Where can I find accurate & concise
>instructions on how to flush & refill my system?  Thanks for the info.
>
>Pat Callaghan
>87 Westy GL
>Portland, OR.
>www.patcal.com




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