I would add:

2) The Bentley manual is, of course, the Bible for waterboxers. However, it
also assumes you studied automotive mechanics at a technical school in
Bavaria. My point is, it skips the simple stuff that are so often what is
needed: i.e., transmission draining procedures. I picked up a British Haynes
manual from The Bus Depot, and though it doesn't cover syncros, its geared
more towards a learner like myself. The trick is to recognize what parts and
systems are common to syncros and the 'less mobile'. Someone else mentioned
the importance of quality tools and I couldn't agree more: do not skimp on
tools, you will pay.

Have fun!

Brad Anderson
87 Vanagon Syncro

> -----Original Message-----
> From: jimkim [SMTP:jimkim@INTERGATE.BC.CA]
> Sent: Wednesday, June 09, 1999 2:56 PM
> To:   vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> Subject:      Re: repair manual
>
> Welcome to the list Steve!
> 1)Opinions differ but I use only the vw coolant the added cost is worth
> the
> peace of mind to me.
>
> 2) The Bentley manual has allowed me to keep my 83 w/c running on a shoe
> string budget and I highly recommend it. At a $100 dollars it's not cheap,
> but that's not even 2 hours shop time.
>
> 3) I've been using the k&N filter for about a 8 months now and have been
> quite pleased with it. I just washed and re-oiled it last weekend, a bit
> time consuming but very simple. In the long run it will pay for itself.
> Longevity coupled with the alleged improved flow make it a good purchase.
>
> Good luck and happy motoring, Jim