Mick, why not have the mechanic measure how much antifreeze he drains out? Then
mix up a 50/50 quantity to match. Keep any excess for top ups when the system
bleeds itself of trapped air.

Mick Kalber wrote:

> Just about to change coolant in my 89 syncro westy as well... my (very)
> trusted mechanic says he usually puts in one gallon of non-phosphate coolant
> and adds water to fill, which I guess would be a little more water than
> coolant in the end.  Since we live in a very moderate climate... 55 degrees
> to 95 degrees year round, what does the list think about that?  Should I
> insist on a 50/50 mix anyway?

Your syncro should have GL-4 in the transmission. GL-5 contains sulfurs which
are antagonistic to the transmission internals and should be avoided. The
Redline MT-90 comes highly recommended as a GL-4 synthetic. I use Amsoil
synthetic GL-4 because it is much cheaper (and so am I). As I understand it, you
can use GL-5 in the front differential if you want. I just used the same as my
transmission (because I had it).

> Also changing the gear oil since the bus is an 89 and I don't know the
> history... my guess is that it's never been changed.  They normally use
> Valvoline 80-90 wt Hypoid gear oil.  APE Service says it is rated for GL-4
> and GL-5 use.  I've been following the threads about this and have pretty
> much decided that GL-4 is the only way to go, but what about this?  It is a
> hypoid, which is the correct one, right?  Don't know if it is a synthetic.

Remember to always remove the filler plug before draining. If not, there will
come a day when the the filler plug won't budge and you have an empty
transmission. Not nice.
-Larry