Date:         Wed, 21 Oct 1998 20:07:21 -0600
Reply-To:     Jim Fritz <jfritz@DECORAH.K12.IA.US>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@vanagon.com>
From:         Jim Fritz <jfritz@DECORAH.K12.IA.US>
Subject:      Thanks to all
Comments: To: "Vanagon@VANAGON.COM" <Vanagon@VANAGON.COM>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="US-Ascii"

Volks,
Thanks to all who responded about my tires/tables/key/etc. problems.

I wanted to throw a couple of things out for the group to cuss/discuss.

The PO of my Westy had the 4 spd. rebuilt.  He told me it was replaced with one from an earlier model (1982 model I believe).  He was told that it was less prone to typical transmission problems.  It seems to work fine but has several things about it that concern me.  #1  It feels "squishy" (technical term) between gears and when it engages.  None of those satisfying "kachunks" I get in my Passat.  1st and 3rd gear are incredibly close together and 2nd actually feels like its further to the left than is first, thus giving it a "slanted H" pattern.  3rd and 4th seem to line up in normal fashion.

Is this normal or do I have some adjustments to make.  I've got a great mechanic who is going to do some work for me next week and if I could give him a few suggestions from the list it would be appreciated.

2nd question:  the battery is on its last legs or at least its straining in the cold weather with the heavy weight oil thats still in it.  I want to add a second battery for the assundries that I know we'll drag along.  Could I get away with taking the old battery and using it as the 2nd and then purchasing a new one for the main.  If so, what recommendations do you all have for a good battery for our Iowa climate (course it won't be driven in the winter - just stored).

BTW, After reading your replies I've decided to trade in my Yokohamas to get some Y370 LT 195/75R14 D rated Yokohamas(local dealer balks when I ask about Michelins-too bad) but he carries Yokos and will trade.  I'm going to replace the gas lines myself next spring (its being garaged for the winter), I'm replacing the rear hatch struts, and I'm changing to Castrol 10w-40 oil (it has Texas 40w in it now).  Thanks for your help !

Jim
91 Passat Wagon
89 Westy
66 Beetle