I definitely would check things out before driving again.  The overflow
tank behind the license plate refills the cooling system as it cools down.
So there may have been some air in the system after they worked on it and
it just sucked the coolant out of the overflow to do the final
self-bleeding.  Or there may be a leak somewhere, causing the smell, and
that left it low so it sucked all the coolant out of the overflow tank.
The smell might have been caused by coolant left over from their flushing
process hanging around in the engine compartment or underneath, but I would
expect that to be a very strong smell.  Or maybe they just forgot to refill
the overflow?  Good luck.
Edward

On Fri, Sep 14, 2012 at 12:59 PM, Donna Skarloken <dskarloken@gmail.com>wrote:

> Happy Friday - I just picked up my 87 Syncro last night from a reputable
> garage where I had the coolant system flushed and replaced.  It was late
> and dark so I didn't check the coolant before I left the garage and had to
> drive about 25 miles home.  All seemed well, except when I parked and shut
> off the motor I could smell coolant VERY strongly.
>
> This morning I was all set to go to work but decided to take a look at the
> coolant level behind the license plate because that strong coolant smell
> bothered me and I was unable to check it the night before.  I discover NO
> coolant in the tank behind the license plate.  I had to go to work so could
> not do a further inspection, and it was still dark out.
>
> Any suggestions?
>
> I have not had any problem with low level or no coolant in this bottle
> prior to taking it to the shop to have the coolant flushed.  (I left a
> voicemail for the mechanic; he is quite busy so I am not sure what time
> today that he will get back to me and of course I am stressed out about
> this since I spent a whole bunch of money at that shop this week.  The shop
> does specialize in Vanagons, otherwise I would not have taken there).
>
> Thanks, and have a great Friday and weekend.
>
> Donna, 87 Syncro
>