Date:         Tue, 31 Dec 2002 16:19:24 -0700
Reply-To:     Andrew Fox <afox@CNR.COLOSTATE.EDU>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Andrew Fox <afox@CNR.COLOSTATE.EDU>
Subject:      brake problem, DOT4, and Drinking...
Content-Type: TEXT/PLAIN; charset=US-ASCII

The other day I was driving down a mountain road and went to use the
brakes and there was almost nothing there.  The pedal went almost to the
floor.  I was able to pump it up and use the brakes but after a few
minutes I would try the brakes again and the pedal would be very soft.
Any ideas on what to check first?  Brake fluid was good and there did not
appear to be any leaks.  Van is an 86 westy w/ auto trans.  Pads and shoes
were replace about 8,000 miles ago.  Rear star wheels seem tight and are
manually adjusted about every 6 months.

Also, the manual says to use only DOT4 brake fluid.  I stopped at about 6
gas stations on the way home from the brake incident and every one carried
DOT3 but no DOT4.  Are DOT4 and DOT3 different?  Where to get DOT4?  We
should all carry spare DOT4 since it seems to be hard to find at gas
stations!

One more thing, as you go out having a good time tonight condsider this:
The westy or any other campervan is the perfect vehicle to drive when you
go out drinking!  I often drive the westy when i know ill be too drunk to
drive home.  I park in my friends driveway or in the woods or in the
middle of town.  I'm always safe and comfortable this way especially with
my plat cat heater which i leave running so after the party i have a
toasty van to come back to.  My friends say im crazy but i think they are
just jealous.

Thanks,
Andrew Fox
86 Westy
Ft. Collins CO