Date:         Tue, 8 May 2001 11:34:56 -0400
Reply-To:     David Beierl <dbeierl@attglobal.net>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         David Beierl <dbeierl@attglobal.net>
Subject:      Re: RPM's
Comments: To: "Royston, Jerry" <gmr@obpa.usda.gov>
In-Reply-To:  <3706B36A65176F4F8D6E73CEAB8BFC38040336@obpa7w.obpa.usda.go v>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"; format=flowed

At 09:57 AM 5/8/2001, Royston, Jerry wrote:
>Just a quick question about RPM's and my '87 Westy.  I'm doing about 3500 at
>60 MPH, 3750 at 65 and 4000 at 70.

Rated speed for the 4-speed manual is 72 @ 4000.

>  Does this seem appropriate?

Yes.

>  What would
>cause any variance from one vehicle to another?

Tire size.  Also the calibration of tach and speedo.

>   Is it OK to push the van to
>4000 continually on a long trip?  It's still at the top end of the green.

I think it is quite ok.  Higher than that, even.  But opinions vary.  I
think there is the "not over 65" crowd, then the "not over 70" and "not
over 85."  Be sure your oil is not overfilled, more is not better
here.  Gas mileage in my 1.9l drops considerably starting about 55 (also
when it rains -- all that mass of water to push out of the way...).

david


>Gerry

David Beierl - Providence, RI
  http://pws.prserv.net/synergy/Vanagon/
'84 Westy "Dutiful Passage"
'85 GL "Poor Relation"