Which gear should I be in?

[Waynard]

I know this is going to sound lame but I'm struggling to drive our new van with its 4 gears. At 25-30mph, 2nd sounds like its revving too high but 3rd feels like its struggling. I have similar issues deciding between 3rd and 4th. The dots on the speedo - are they gear selection guides?

It's a 2l air-cooled unit btw.

[Dazco]

Don't rely on any dots to tell you what gear to be in . It shouldn't be over revved or laboured in any gear unles going up or down steep hills . On the flat just drive it like any other other vehicle .

[rainman]

If you're air-cooled you may well find that your flaps are permanently open, a fail-safe setting to prevent overheating in the highly likely event of the heat exchange system failing. When the engine has eventually warmed up third gear should be all you need for anything but the open road.

[mark]

you shouldn't over rev or labour an air cooled going up or down hill, the gear and revs should match the speed your travelling at.
mark

Don't rely on any dots to tell you what gear to be in . It shouldn't be over revved or laboured in any gear unles going up or down steep hills . On the flat just drive it like any other other vehicle .

[thebobster]

The question "Which gear should I be in?" tempts me to reply

"Giorgio Armani shirt worn outside camouflage cargo shorts. Gucci sports shoes with white socks or Armani sandals with of course no socks. Complete the ensemble with a black leather camera bag to use instead of your pockets for carrying things. I always think bulging pockets on well cut clothes looks so passé and completely ruins the effect."

[Oldiebut goodie]

[BOXY]

The dots on the speedo - are they gear selection guides?

My air-cooled van will pull a few extra mph past the speedo dots if required but I try to change up before the speedo needle reaches the next set of dots, unless going up hills.
On the flat the van will just about pull from 20mph to 50 mph in third, and from 40mph to +70mph in fourth.

[Waynard]

Our issues were compounded by a bad HT lead and other engine issues.
Also found the heat exchanger pod flaps are cable tied open, the pull wires have been cut right at he ends (for some unknown reason).

ones warmed up, it now drives nicely

Thanks for your help.