Date:         Wed, 31 Aug 2005 06:55:55 -0700
Reply-To:     Grego Inzinna <caravana_rolidei@PLANET-SAVE.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Grego Inzinna <caravana_rolidei@PLANET-SAVE.COM>
Subject:      Re: Question about Diesel Westies...and biofuel conversions
Content-Type: text/plain;charset=iso-8859-1

hEY Guy,

  diesel westies were made from 1981-1983.5. They have the equivalent of a
rabbit diesel engine of the era which belts out 48hp new. My diesel
westi is an 82 and I max out at about 65 going down hill with the wind
behind me. Otherwise I love the cruising speed, I really don't mind
going slow. It calms the nerves and all.

  I just bought a greasecar.com conversion for my westi and I have seen
them installed in one or two. I have numerous friends that have
converted their vws to run on grease and it is very simple compared to
what all the quacks on this list are making it out to be. You need not
filter your oil like a maniac, as long as you change your inline filters
enough. The greasecar kit is really exceptional and has everything you
need.

  with regards to biodiesel, that also is really simple if you have a
ready supply. YOu only need to change about 6ft or so of hose on your
diesel westy to viton or something similar with resistance to biodiesel
since it can be corrosive on natural rubber. Greaseworks.org has kits or
you can order what you need from mcmaster-carr.com in two foot or more
lengths. Since the diesel westies have nylon hoses for most of the
length of the fuel hose it ain't a big expense, nylon is resistant.
biodiesel is much simpler since all you have to do is pour it into your
regular diesel tank and go. The greasecar kit requires minor
modifications to your cooling and fuel system which any joe schmo can do
with a little effort.

 I say go for it, but you must watch out because the diesel westi of your
dreams could become a nightmare if it isn't all it appears to be. Make
sure to have a mechanic look it over before you buy if you arn't already
inclined. I had to do alot of work on mine to get it into tip top shape
so that it would beable to run again, let alone on biodiesel or veg oil.
But beyond that have fun, they can be expensive at this point as they are
becoming a very desireable item.

 there is also a diesel-westy group on yahoo if you want to check it out
and join.

good luck

  Grego Inzinna
  1982 Diesel Westy (soon to be a grease burner)
   Ithaca NY




the woods are a buddhaful thing,
I wood go out and see dem.
Paz esta en el aire que resperamos



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