-----Original Message-----
From: Bob Bergeson [mailto:bberg@sover.net]
Sent: Monday, March 22, 1999 6:48 PM
To: VW List
Subject: Many things

Well, I have had my 84 Vanagon for one month, my 1.5 year old son and I
think it is great and I can't get the chow out of it.  He even goes to work
with me and sleeps in the van all day.  But now that the honeymoon is over I
have a few questions:

I had a bad muffler and dropped the $130 for a new one.  The tailpipe added
another $30.  Wow!  I installed them last night with minimal issues.  I then
got in the van and started it.  The oil light stayed on.  This has never
happened before.  I new that I had oil so I started driving.  It began to
dim and looked like it was out by the time I drove the 12 miles to my house.
I turned off the lights with the van still running and could see the
slightest glow from this light.  I am confused.

My clock (not digital) seems to freeze when it gets to 10 or 20 below 0.  As
soon as the van warms up it comes to life.  I have not had any problems
lately because it has been above 0.  Is this normal and can I fix it?

The speedo does not work.  I did a little research, first for the van and
me, and found that both cables and the "box" that connects the two off of
the frame are missing.  This cost me $100 to get the missing pieces.  I know
the cost does not really matter but I am adjusting to this.  I thought my
Harley was bad.  Before I dig in I was wondering if there is anything that I
should know.

Antifreeze!  This seems to be a popular topic here.  I notice a little
collection on the bottom of the motor but nothing visible coming from it.
How bad is a head gasket leak as far as being noticeable.  I am assuming,
and I know what happens when you assume, that it is a bad hose or a
connection somewhere more repairable.

Motor swaps; I have been reading this for a while now, about two days after
I bought the van.  I am very interested in getting a more reliable motor and
the 5 cylinder motor is interesting.  What year and model should I be
looking for in the Audi to get what I need?  There has been alot of talk
about this setup.  It is probably in the archives but I just figured out how
to post so that project is next.

Well that is it for right now.  I really enjoy reading and starting to
participate in the mailing list.  Does anyone know of any events in the
Vermont area that take place?

Thanks for your help.

Bob Bergeson
Randolph VT

84 Vanagon, daily driver
92 Saturn, wife's car
72 Dodge Challenger
75 Harley Davidson FLH
54 Oliver Dozer
Am I a sucker for punishment or what?  :)