Eric Levine wrote:

>This is my first posting to the list.  I just bought an 84  vanagon.  I have
>lots of questions...
>

I guess you do -- who wouldn't under the circumstances?  Assuming you'd
rather surf the ocean than the achives I'll comment on what I think is
most critical... that crack in the expansion tank leading to coolant
puddled around the coolant level sensor leading to the erratic gauge
behavior.  I would replace that tank with a new one -- they are not
immortal and when they fail the cooling system does not work well.  The
coolant I use is the commonly available 'Sierra' brand -- you do not
want anything with phosphates in it.  Once you're to that point
investigate the archives for some of the voodoo folks use to bleed all
the air out of the cooling system.

If 2 of those window cranks are chocolately brown and in decent shape I
would happily trade you a used flat passenger side mirror for them --
though you may prefer the convex variety.

When you get to the archives look for the 'hot start fix' using a simple
Bosch relay -- this often cures starting problems.

I think you will also be happier with new tires -- light truck tires are
the thing, couple of brands still have them.  Again the archives or go
to the BusDepot.

Geo Hahn

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