Date:         Sun, 24 May 1998 01:28:43 EDT
Reply-To:     Kim <Kim@AOL.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <Vanagon@vanagon.com>
From:         Kim <Kim@AOL.COM>
Subject:      Syncro trip
Comments: To: vanagon@vanagon.com
Content-type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII

In the best John Muir tradition (intending on arriving in better condition
then I started the trip...)

Well, I have started the trip of bringing my 'new' (to me) 86 Syncro back east
(to Virginia, from California). Yah, I might have found one in the east, but
this one was in great shape, and the trip is at least half the goal :)

So, the first issue was the oil pressure light coming on when the engine was
HOT, and RPM was just around 2000. This was almost certainly due to the
previous owner having the oil changed just before I bought it (I suspect the
shop put in 10W30... since it seems most of the Southern CA Oil change shops
ONLY have 10W30...) Weird, I think. I bought a bunch of 20W50 quarts, and got
those slapped in. Problem solved.

Next problem is again only when the engine is HOT (i.e. climbing grades and
running at 70mph for a couple of hours.) This time, when the engine is shut
off (like for refueling), the starter motor won't turn (or engage). I'll have
to check the repair history file, but I suspect that it is time for a new
starter motor. Ah, well. give it 30 or 40 minutes to cool down and it kicks in
again. I'll limp by until I get back to home base.

Now I see what you folks meant by "poor lighting" on the rectangular
headlights. On the other paw, I seem to remember similarly dismal lighting on
my Fox, so it is just the rectangular headlights being the culprit. Hmm, I
like the style though. I wonder if the fogs I bought will help (as the fogs do
in my Corrado). If not, I'll have to look for some add-on lights that will be
effectively hidden unless used. This will take more research.

And this is just the FIRST day (of a planned 9 day trip).