>  Hello Listers: Enjoying the recent discussions. Took our first real drive (to
> hike Monadnock) yesterday in our 2 week old Syncro Westfalia. Seems to be
> running pretty well.  So far I have changed oil and filter, spark plugs, top
> seal.  I plan to change fuel filter, brake fluid, and coolant soon.

And get the fuel line replacement kit from Ken Wilfre before your van springs
a fuel leak and burns!!!!!

>         Questions:
> 1)  Washing curtains and matress covers.  They really need a wash, and it
> looks like the the smart choices are hand wash or dry clean.  Anyone ever
> put them in the wash (cold?).

I took mine to a laundromat and used the big tumble washers - worked great.
 and a trick I learned on this list is when re-installing the mattress, put the
mattress in a big plastic bag and then put that (open end of the bag first - but
folded over ) into the cover and then pull the plastic bag out - what a breeze
that will be over the way I struggled with it.

>  2)  Gear box.  This may be normal, but the > throw for 4th gear is very
> short on our van.  Consequently, I have trouble > knowing if I'm in it.  Is
> this normal, or should I look into adjusting my > linkage? 3)  LP Tank:  OK,
> how do I know when it is nearing empty?  Dumb > question, or am I missing an
> indicator gauge somehow?

You don't know,  you just run out of gas - real clever VW!

> 4)  Cover:  I just > need something to keep dust and dirt off her while I am
> working on > someting else - inside the barn.  Has anyone tried the
> inexpensive covers > at Walmart?  I believe size VB-2 or something in
> recommended for the > Vanagon +/- camper.  Of course I can't find one, but .
> . .

yes I use an inexpensive cover works OK for me.

>  5)  Coolant: > Well, I know I want only this cool VW phoshate-free coolant
> and distilled > water.  What should I pay (per gallon) for coolant at the
> dealer (my last > resort generally)?  Is there another good source?  I don't
> see it at fast > german, bus depot, etc. > >  Well, that's all that's
> perplexing me at the moment.

There was a post about John Deere having silicate free and phosphate free
coolant - I called my local dealer and they had it.  I don';t worry about the
price, what ever you pay to keep the engine OK will more th an cover a head
job .

> So far: good power > (considering), low running temp, no leaks, and already
> a couple of waves > from fellow Vanagoners.  Am I just lucky (so far) or
> what? > > Thanks. > Alan. > '87 Syncro Westfalia, just hit 77K.