The main thing is "phosphate-free" for anti-freeze.� My 1985 Vanagon with 1.9 just turned 210,000.....have always done the coolant flush (at mechanic, not me) every 2 years....nary a drop or drip on the concrete.� Knocking on wood.� She still runs as sweet as can be.

Rich
San Diego

________________________________
 From: Craig Cowan <phishman068@GMAIL.COM>
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM 
Sent: Monday, December 9, 2013 6:49 PM
Subject: Re: More questions pertaining to my 88 model Bluestar project
 

Prestone is fine. 

-craig

On Dec 9, 2013, at 9:10 PM, Steve Cotsford <cotsford@AOL.COM> wrote:

> I have just run the 2.1 engine for just a few seconds at a time as I don't yet have the antifreeze in it.�  My questions are as follows:� � I know antifreeze is a tricky subject in these vans.�  Can I ask what common brand antifreeze I can use in this van.� � � I live in an area where I have Autozone, O'Reilly,� Napa and Walmart.� � The closest VW dealer is more than 1 1/2 hours drive away.�  My instinct is to use Prestone long life from Walmart mixed with my top of the mountain well water.�  Other than its 25 years old and the engine is perhaps 3 years more, I dont really know what I've got.� By the time I have fixed leaks, probably replaced the water pump etc I will have to replace the antifreeze again.�  Any tips?
> 
> My noises are basically coming from the exhaust system.�  I got second hand parts off a syncro I think.�  I had to drive almost 3 hours to Raleigh to get these fairly expensive parts as I could find them no where else..� Vanagons don't seem to be easy to find parts for and there are none in this area that i know of.
> The muffler shroud is about 2 inches longer than it should be.�  I drilled new holes in it when I installed it and now I need to cut off the excess length that is hanging down below the crankcase.�  The tail pipe rattles against the body work close to it so its probably not the right one either.�  I plan on rotating or adapting it until it clears stuff around it.�  The threaded� port on the exhaust pipe is missing its cap and I am probably going to plug it with something, maybe weld it shut or drill and tap it and use a bolt and washer.� � � I also got cooling system parts, which I found on The Samba but these all seem to fit correctly.� � I am trying to use original VW parts as much as possible but I am not well up on changes over the years.� � � Are there any other pitfalls I am going to run into :-) ??� � Does anyone know Vanagon parts sources and gurus, here in the southeast? 
> 
> This has been a wonderfully helpful group and I thank you all in advance!!� � � � � Steve