Vanagon EuroVan
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Date:         Fri, 8 Mar 2002 13:44:13 -0500
Reply-To:     jon.sykes@PS.GE.COM
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Jon Sykes <jon.sykes@PS.GE.COM>
Subject:      New Vanagon Owner - 82 Diesel - Saying Hi, Questions
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="windows-1252"

Just saying hey!

I just purchased a 1982 Diesel Vanagon camper: http://www.pbase.com/js3150/82_diesel_vanagon.

This is my first Vanagon, first VW, first camper so I have lots of questions!

I drove the van about 150 miles the first night - taking the previous owner home. The diesel sure is slow! I only got shown the finger once though - pretty good seeing as it was all highway and the speed limit was 75mph! Funny enough though, I've slowed down when I drive my other vehicle too now.

The van has about 185,000 miles on it, although the speedo stopped working at 169. That's probobly the first thing I need to take a look at. Also the bulb for the clock/temp/fuel gauge has dropped down behind the heater controls. This is the original engine. A refurbished head was fitted a year ago and new piston rings at the same time. I'm wondering how many miles this engine may run and what I should look out for when she's getting close to the end?

There's a little bit of rumbling as I accelerate and turn at the same time - perhaps this is the CV joints. There was a slight oil leak from the oil filter gasket which suddenly got worse (probobly due to the temperature dropping 40 degrees F over the last few days here) but the previous owner graciously took care of that for me. I took it to the local spray washer and cleaned it up as best I could. I drove with the engine cover off and found the interior got quite smokey!

This Vanagon camper isn't the Westfalia. Instead, it is the ASI Riviera kind (I think). I was wondering how I might go about getting camper parts for it. I know I need a pilot knob for the fridge and the pop up plastic canvas material could use replacement too. Any know a source for these?

Apart from a few knocks, cosmetic rust and generally dirty, this van seems pretty awesome - nothing that a good steam cleaning, a wash and a little elbow grease should fix. All we need is some warmer weather here in Denver and I'll be taking the family camping ASAP!

I'd love to hear from anyone who has a similar vehicle - who may have tips or comments. I understand I'm in a good position for an engine swop down the road, due to the fact that this is an inline 4 VW already (albeit not in such a good position for the Suburu boxer?). I'm in no rush though. I was wondering which engine might be the best in terms of value for money, ease of changeover and performance? The TDi sounds awesome, but would obviously be the most expensive and probobly entails quite a bit of tweaking? I wouldn't be doing the work myself anyway, but would be very happy if the van would cruise at perhaps 70mph instead of 55mph (when it's flat!) after the upgrade! The national speeds limits have gone up since this van first hit the road. However, I love the fact that my 'RV' gets close to 30 mpg and wouldn't want to sacrifice that too much.

Any other Denver/Colorado Vanagoners out there?

Cheers!

Jon

PS, I'm looking for a few parts: - passenger side mirror (manual, not electric)--new or used - oil filter - coolant overflow reservoir cap - possibly a new speedo cable Anyone recommend a source for the above?

How can I clean the bed/seat?

I was going to attempt an oil change and also a flush and replenishment of the cooling system. I figured this would be a good way to get more familiar with the van. Any tips before I cover myself in grease and start swearing?

Thanks y'all, good to be aboard.

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