These systems burp themselves for a while after being refilled.  Be sure
there is coolant in the pressure tank (open the hatch), and then add coolant
to the expansion bottle.  It also helps if you remove the front grille and
open the radiator bleed screw a turn or so to bleed out the last bit of air.
Don't remove it, just open it an wait for coolant to leak past, and do this
after the engine is fully warmed up and the system has some pressure.

Stuart

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
Donna Skarloken
Sent: Friday, September 14, 2012 10:00 AM
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