Date:         Fri, 9 Jul 1999 15:44:38 -0700
Reply-To:     Brent Christensen <bchristensen@ROCK-SYSTEMS.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Brent Christensen <bchristensen@ROCK-SYSTEMS.COM>
Subject:      Bentley fridge mod (and Syncro thrills)
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"

At the risk of rekindling the springtime fridge threads, I think I may have
to pull my fridge out for service, and I want to kill as many birds with one
stone as possible.  Has anyone done the Bentley fridge mod AND any of the
other mods that have been discussed ad nauseum?  I'm wondering if I upgrade
the fan(s), should I still bother with the Bentley air supply modification?

Brent Christensen
'89 Syncro Westy
---------------
If you have time, read on for more gory details...
---------------
After working beautifully since I got it, the fridge suddenly became
noticeably less efficient at cooling during the latter part of our
just-completed 2,500 trip through the Southern Cascades/Northern Sierras.  I
think it may have something to do with a stunt I pulled on a STEEP off-road
trail.  While trying to "see what it'll do" I got the Syncro to stick both
pax side wheels up in the air (no joke - about 6" up front and about 1" in
back).  At this apex of this thrilling moment (while things seemed to stop
in time, including my heart) I heard a "thunk" from the vicinity of the
fridge.  This could have been a can of beans shifting position, but I know
that the fridge doesn't seem to work as well now.  It will cool down to 37
degrees or so, but only if the outside air is less than 70 degrees.  With
the air temp at 85, it will only cool to the high 40's/low 50's.  It used to
cool right down to 30 degrees or so, and a high of about 45.  Propane/AC/DC
all seem to have been affected - that's what seems strange.

BTW, of course, the first thing I did when the wheels came up in the air was
yell to my passenger to reach for the camera in the glove box, but damn-left
it at camp!!!  I have to say, though, I was downright AMAZED and the
traction these babies can muster up with the diff lock on!  I was climbing
up a loose, scary-steep hill that turned a corner then ended abruptly,
forcing me to back down (not easy to do with a Paulchen hanging off the back
on a trail about 8" wider than the Vanagon on each side).  As I was backing
down, I had to back over a large water bar (a trench followed by a hill
about 8-10" high running perpendicular to the trail at an angle).  The rear
pax side tire went up over the water bar first, since it was angled that
way, and that lift combined with the steepness of the trail literally
launched the front pax side wheel into the air.  I stabbed the brake to give
me time to assess the best course of action, and the front end just kind of
bobbed in space as my passenger leaned out and looked back to make sure we
could continue backwards (after unpuckering enough to move).  As I gently
let off the brake, the rear wheel eased over the water bar, and the front
end came back down just as gentle as you please.  I sure wish I had pictures
to prove it!  After that, I have absolute faith in this Syncro!

Brent Christensen
'89 Syncro Westy "Klaus"