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Date:         Sun, 7 Jan 2007 15:29:45 -0600
Reply-To:     joel walker <jwalker17@EARTHLINK.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         joel walker <jwalker17@EARTHLINK.NET>
Subject:      Re: How Deep Can a Vanagon Go
Content-Type: text/plain; format=flowed; charset="iso-8859-1";
              reply-type=original

>So what can a vanagon safely get through? Mine's is an '84 standard >watercooled westie >generally loaded with kids, babies and shopping.

the problem isn't so much the depth of the water, but a few other things. firstly, it's the FLOW of the water ... moving water can push your car sideways VERY easily, especially if it gets enough 'grip' on the vehicle. like hitting the wheels deep enough. if the water is flowing moderately fast, i'd avoid getting into it at all unless it was only a couple of inches deep. flowing water even six inches deep can be dangerous.

then there's the problem of steam from the exhaust ... if you get into water deep enough to touch the exhaust pipes, there'll be some steam generated, and that steam will go up into your engine compartment. and it's very likely that the steam will get into the distributor ... and your engine just stops. right in the middle of the water. :( luckily, this isn't a terribly big issue for 4-speeds ... you can put it into gear and use the starter to get out of the water (assuming the water isn't wider than a bus-length), then with your trusty roll of paper towels that you keep inside your bus at all times, you can clamber back to the rear and open the engine compartment lid (after you've moved all the kids, babies, shopping goodies, dogs, and spare parts), and dry out the inside of the distributor. it can be done cause i've done it. :) but it is a REAL pain.

so ... if it's NOT flowing, just kinda puddling, and it's less than 7 inches (giving an inch for safety) or 175mm, you could PROBABLY make it. but that deep, i dunno ... i think i'd wait til it recedes a bit more.

just my opinion, and i know it's all wet. :) unca joel


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