Date:         Thu, 15 Jan 2009 20:01:48 -0800
Reply-To:     chris and/or ruth <populuxe59@YAHOO.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         chris and/or ruth <populuxe59@YAHOO.COM>
Subject:      Re: Will whoever left the fridge door open....
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=iso-8859-1

It is nasty here in New England.
This morning was one of those days I didn't even try to start the van.
It just seemed cruel.

dylan

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Where I am in the US, only grass and barbed-wire hold back the Canadian Arctic air.
 
At   -14f  this morning I can tell you the sound a Vanagon makes: Door shuts with a "clink" instead of a thud,  the key turns and the fuel ,pump sounds different.  The starter engages and turns over but with an unusually loud, slow, barking noise. It begins to fire on one cylinder, I have a bad exhaust gasket so its a loud booming in the garage. Then all four kick in and the belts immediately begin howling. Now the power steering pump gets into the act and growls as the engine speed picks up.  Synthetic gear lube helps get it into gear easily, and the belts quiet down. Steering is now OK with a little growl when the wheel is turned. The heater fan squeals, but isn't needed for another 10 minutes--the time it takes to get heat to the front.  The back heat is quiet but won't push up to the front while the interior is so cold. You can feel the flat spots on the frozen tires as you go down the road, it feels like a go-cart. The windshield is
 slightly fogged due to the breaths taken in excitement just getting this 19 year-old Vanagon started and moving down the road.  Now the defrost is activated and fan is just chirping. Everything is working as it should now, and HEAT!  Arm rests down, radio on, gloves off, and you can even crack a window for some fresh air. Stop at the gas station--it's good to keep tank topped up when it's cold. Tomorrow is going to be about minus 20f. Gas cap key frozen.
 
Chris C
90 Multivan weekender half camper
Wisconsin