Hi,

I am new to waterboxers, and I just got my new-to-me 90 back from the Vanagon mechanic.  As I am trying to get used to this unique vehicle, I have some basic questions:

1. It has been tuned and all of that, and it idles smoothly at about 1000 rpm.  However, the engine seems to "rock" a lot more than I am used to seeing on a traditional inline 4.  It looks weird to see the whole exhaust system deflecting a couple of centimeters on either end along with the engine.  It also has an annoying squeak -- I can't tell if it is an exhaust shield of motor mount.

2:  Is it really supposed to sound like a lawn mower when idling?  I read the Eurospec article, so I know its supposed to have a rumble instead of an "Industrial grade buzz," but I am still not used to it.

3:  The mechanic said the P.O. did not use phosphate-free coolant.  (Even though the last maintenance to the vehicle was done at a VW dealer ?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!).  Oh well, can't do anything now but change it regularly and pray.

Thanks for all of your help,
Michael Townsend
townsend@rtp.ericsson.se

P.S.  I bought a little Kidde fire extinguisher, but now I am wondering if I should buy a bigger one!

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