Hi, The local Penske shop just showed me their new commercial flushing and
coolant filling machine that they claim can be used on any auto.  It
provides a vacume which pulls out the old coolant and pumps in and flushes
with only clean coolant.  It aviods adding any new air into the system
because it is completely closed.  They stated that they would be willing to
drain the resivoire tank that contains their typical brand X coolant and,
put in the coolant and distilled water of my choice, and then go through
their proceedure.  It uses about 2 times the normal amount of coolant,
because it is flushing with clean coolant.  Compared with the local repair
shop (that specializes in VW's) quoted price of about $225.00 for a full
flush and bleeding, this seemed like a pretty good deal, even if I purchase
the VW coolant.  What do you think?

Oh, and I tried to loosen the bleeder valve over the thermostat housing, but
it didn't seem to want to budge. I didn't want to apply any more pressure
than I could with my hand for fear of damaging it.  Any suggestions for this
one also?

Thanks,

Jeff Hartman
Juneau, AK
1986 Vanagon converted by a British Columbia company called AST (or is it
ASI) into a pop top camper much like a westy.