After a major fill some additional coolant may be sucked from the overflow tank into the system as the system further purges air out. It will take a number of heat-cool cycles to get all the entrained air out. What I would be concerned about is the coolant smell. Something is leaking! Hopefully the shop pressure tested the system and cap and bled it without doing any damage.

Dennis
Who can't type or spell on this Windows Phone!
________________________________
From: Donna Skarloken
Sent: 9/14/2012 1:14 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: No Coolant in Small Tank Behind License Plate

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