Date:         Thu, 14 Mar 2002 19:33:36 -0800
Reply-To:     Jim Arnott <jrasite@EONI.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Jim Arnott <jrasite@EONI.COM>
Organization: http://WetWesties.org
Subject:      Re: 88 GL Newbie Needs Direction
Comments: To: Matt Sutton <msutts@EARTHLINK.NET>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=iso-8859-1

Hi Matt,

First fix the sensors. It's a Volkswagen.  If it wasn't absolutely
necessary, they didn't install it! The speedo you can live without, but
not the temp guage and the OP light. 2.1s fail spectacularly without oil
pressure. Usually #3 connecting rod big end through the top of the case.

There's not much to tuning one.  Plugs, cap & rotor.  New air cleaner.
Oil and filter.  Use either VW or Mahle filters.  (Available from The
Bus Depot for $6 ea IIRC.) Do NOT use Fram filters. Purolator also makes
an acceptable one. There's a great comparison of oil filters at:

<http://www.frankhunt.com/FRANK/corvette/articles/oilfilterstudy/oilfilterstudy.html>

Follow the link to the VW comparison at the top of the page...

Set timing to 5° ATDC for stock or to 5° BTDC for a bit better performance.

All this info is discussed at length in the archives and probably on the
Vanagon.com webpage.

Jim Arnott
List Admin
Spare Vanagon