At 15:02 12/4/97 EST, Sean Bartnik wrote:
>>
>> I have 2 87 Syncros. Both give about the same gas milesage: average 20-21
>> mpg.
>>
>> The lock knob you refer to should be pulled out to engage the AWD. In 11
>> years of driving Syncros, I can think of only two times I have had to
>> manually engage the AWD. The knob SHOULD NEVER BE PULLED OUT WHEN THE
>> VEHICLE IS MOVING.
>
>
>Don't you mean the differential lock?  The Syncro AWD is always engaged
>and varies the amount of torque distributed to front and rear wheels
>through the viscous coupling.  When you engage the differential lock,
>the green light comes on.
>
>Somebody correct me if I'm wrong.
>
>Sean

I thought the Syncro system is a rear wheel drive (In a Vanagon at least)
until there is a 5 to 7% difference is speed between the front and rear
wheels.  When this occurs the oil compound in the viscous coupling turns
starts turning and thickens, thus causing the plates in the VC to "bind"
and automatically locks the front differential with the power from the
transmission.  This is why VW calls Syncro 4 wheel drive because there is
still same amount of power to the rear wheels.  Audi's Quattro is AWD
bacause it can vary the amount of front / rear power.

I have been off roading many times with my D.C. and seldom use the
differential lock (which locks the rear wheels together) and the front
wheels join in the fun when things get a little slick or stuck.  The only
time I use the lock is when I'm not in the mood for getting stuck (hasn't
happened YET :p ) or when I'm pulling out my friends Ford F-150 4x4!

Currently I'm looking for another lockable transmission so I can add the
lock to the front differential!

-- David Marshall        Email: david@volkswagen.org --
-- 80 VW 2.0L Caddy,            87 Audi 5000 quattro --
-- 85 VW Cabrio, 88 VW Double Cab Syncro Transporter --
-- Volkswagen Homepage http://www.volkswagen.org     --
-- VW Caddy Homepage http://www.volkswagen.org/caddy --
--         ***SENT VIA VANAGON MAILING LIST***       --