Date: Mon, 13 Sep 1999 17:39:59 -0300
Reply-To: Malcolm Stebbins <Malcolm.Stebbins@MSVU.CA>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Malcolm Stebbins <Malcolm.Stebbins@MSVU.CA>
Subject: Re: Misc Questions
In-Reply-To: <Pine.A41.3.95.990913130430.30016B-100000@itsa.ucsf.edu>
Content-type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII
> Hello Listers: Enjoying the recent discussions. Took our first real drive (to
> hike Monadnock) yesterday in our 2 week old Syncro Westfalia. Seems to be
> running pretty well. So far I have changed oil and filter, spark plugs, top
> seal. I plan to change fuel filter, brake fluid, and coolant soon.
And get the fuel line replacement kit from Ken Wilfre before your van springs
a fuel leak and burns!!!!!
> Questions:
> 1) Washing curtains and matress covers. They really need a wash, and it
> looks like the the smart choices are hand wash or dry clean. Anyone ever
> put them in the wash (cold?).
I took mine to a laundromat and used the big tumble washers - worked great.
and a trick I learned on this list is when re-installing the mattress, put the
mattress in a big plastic bag and then put that (open end of the bag first - but
folded over ) into the cover and then pull the plastic bag out - what a breeze
that will be over the way I struggled with it.
> 2) Gear box. This may be normal, but the > throw for 4th gear is very
> short on our van. Consequently, I have trouble > knowing if I'm in it. Is
> this normal, or should I look into adjusting my > linkage? 3) LP Tank: OK,
> how do I know when it is nearing empty? Dumb > question, or am I missing an
> indicator gauge somehow?
You don't know, you just run out of gas - real clever VW!
> 4) Cover: I just > need something to keep dust and dirt off her while I am
> working on > someting else - inside the barn. Has anyone tried the
> inexpensive covers > at Walmart? I believe size VB-2 or something in
> recommended for the > Vanagon +/- camper. Of course I can't find one, but .
> . .
yes I use an inexpensive cover works OK for me.
> 5) Coolant: > Well, I know I want only this cool VW phoshate-free coolant
> and distilled > water. What should I pay (per gallon) for coolant at the
> dealer (my last > resort generally)? Is there another good source? I don't
> see it at fast > german, bus depot, etc. > > Well, that's all that's
> perplexing me at the moment.
There was a post about John Deere having silicate free and phosphate free
coolant - I called my local dealer and they had it. I don';t worry about the
price, what ever you pay to keep the engine OK will more th an cover a head
job .
> So far: good power > (considering), low running temp, no leaks, and already
> a couple of waves > from fellow Vanagoners. Am I just lucky (so far) or
> what? > > Thanks. > Alan. > '87 Syncro Westfalia, just hit 77K.
