Ah, does this bring back memories both old and more recent. First of  my first car, a great, used Beetle.

The first time I drove it into a gas station I proudly told the attendant (this was in the days when they had gas station attendants and no self serve), �fill it up and check the oil and the radiator.�  It was the  first time I got to use this phrase I had heard all my life for my  own car.

Sigh. The attendant was kind and told me simply, �Miss, this car does not have a radiator - - it is aircooled.�  Who knew?

Then just last year I finally got the Vanagon Westfalia of my dreams. With my old Acura Integra, every time I brought it anywhere for repair they said �have you had your timing belt replaced?� It was replaced at 60,000 miles. Since the mechanics asked each time, I figured out how important the timing belt was for engines.

So, to make sure I protected the Westy, I asked this list how often the timing belt should be replaced. Some very kind people told me the Vanagons do not have a timing belt, they have a chain, which usually  does not need replacement. Who knew?

Maybe this is why VW�s have so much character. They tend to  have unexpected attributes.

>This is right up there with sending the green mechanic at the VW dealer of
>old
>to the parts store to get a radiator cap for a Beetle (not the new one
>either).  I wonder how many of you don't know what I am talking about and
>wonder when you should replace your timing belt?  Right after we find out
>what
>is making that strange noise in the back of the van, and how to open the
>hood.
>:)
>Ken Wilford
>John 3:16
>

Maureen Stretch
Natick, Mass.
91 Vanagon GL Westy �Johann�