Date:         Thu, 11 Nov 2004 14:42:39 -0700
Reply-To:     Richard A Jones <jones@COLORADO.EDU>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Richard A Jones <jones@COLORADO.EDU>
Subject:      Re: winter cross country trip
Comments: To: aircooledchris@EUCASAFARI.VENDIOWEB.COM
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed

Airkooledchris:

I have an '81 with a BA6--since new in January '82.
I used to use it as my daily driver and ski car
and the BA6 is more than enough.  After it warms
up, you'll run it about 3 o'clock or 2 o'clock on
the thermostat.  I have never taped my vents.

The only possible problem is starting when cold at
higher altitudes.  Same problem on my '76 and '81
so I am convinced it is a "feature" of the fuel
injection system.  This is below 20 degrees and
above 9-10,000 feet.  If it does not start on the
first try, then it is flooded.  My technique is
the pedal to the floor--to open the vane for max
air flow, then crank.  If it doesn't catch, then
I pop the switch under the driver seat that cuts
power to the fuel pump, crank until it starts to
catch, push the switch back in and I'm running.
It took me from '76 to about '86 to figure this
out.  ;-)  How many times did I run on the starter
motor for 100 yards to get to the downhill at
the Brainard Lake ski parking?  Oh, well, at
146,000, I'm still on that original starter!

At 5400 feet in Boulder I never have trouble
starting, even down below zero.  It is just at
higher altitudes--and cold.

Of course, you probably know the 2wd Vanagon sucks
on snow.  I used to put 4 concrete downspout splash
blocks on top of the enging compartment to get
around--with studded snows.  The single failing of
the 2wd Vanagon over earlier models.  The splash
blocks are why I have the switch--no fun to get to
the engine to dry the plugs when it is cold and
I'm tired--and they weight about 80 pounds each!

Have a fun trip!

                        Richard A Jones
                        Boulder, Colorado