Date:         Thu, 18 Sep 2003 10:10:19 -0500
Reply-To:     "Ahlgrim, Kevin L" <kahlgrim@IUSB.EDU>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         "Ahlgrim, Kevin L" <kahlgrim@IUSB.EDU>
Subject:      Introduction and knocking problem on a 82 Diesel vanagon
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="US-ASCII"

I just joined the list and wanted to introduce myself.  I have been on
the type2 list for some time now owning several baywindows but last
Friday I picked up my first watercooled VW, first Vanagon.  I wanted a
diesel for the reliability of the engine and the fuel economy.  I wanted
a water cool for the heat this winter.  Picked it up drove it home 250
miles ran great but is slow like everyone says they are.  Family loves
it, drive it about another 250 miles and on my way to work Tuesday
morning it dies at an intersection.  Starts back up and I drive to the
next insection, it dies.  Can't get it to even turn over now so I push
it off to the side.  My wife comes to jump start it and it starts up but
now the engine sounds bad and you can hear a loud knocking sound.  Tow
it home, change the oil, it's still knocking but not as loud.  The other
thing I have noticed is that the knocking is louder on startup until the
oil gets moving around in the engine.  So much for that reliability
thing.   Any diesel owners out there with any suggestions.  By the way I
work in South Bend, Indiana and live in LaPorte, Indiana.  

Thanks,

Kevin