Date: Fri, 2 Feb 1996 00:05:49 -0500
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@vanagon.com>
From: DHaynes57@aol.com
Subject: Re: Vanagon diesels
In a message dated 96-01-31 20:52:06 EST, limbo@bcn.net (Jim Digennaro)
writes:
>
>Hi Justin,
> Was reading your post questions about diesels and thought I might add my
>$0.02 worth.
> First, yes, Vanagon diesels are just like a rabbit diesel, most of the
>parts are interchangeable. They came with a 1.6L and were offer from
>'81-'83. In 83 you could get a vanagon with an air-cooled motor, diesel or
>the new water-cooled flat-4 1.9L engine. Yes, they are slow, the engine
>only produces 48hp. The trans is geared much like a split window bus. But
>they get great fuel mileage, average about 30mpg. Most parts are still
>available, and are not to expensive.
> When I bought my Westy diesel the engine was shot. The bearings had
>worn out do to antifreeze in the oil and lack of oil pressure. I had the
>choice of either rebuilding the diesel, with new crank and rods to match,
>or replaced the diesel with a used gas rabbit motor. I went with the gas
>motor. It was cheaper, and at the time I didn't have a lot of time to do a
>complete overhaul. Besides, I heard that it could be done and I'm a sucker
>for trying new things. So far the motor has been great. Right now I having
>problems with the fuel injection. But baring that I think that the gas
>motor has been a good choice. Anyway, the diesel, is a good motor, maybe
>slow but it's reliablity and relatively cheap to maintain makes it a good
>choice in my opinon. If you do decide to get a diesel vanagon you could
>always do a gas transplant. In line-4 water cooled motors are quite
>plentiful in the salvage yards. I hope this answers your questions. Good
>luck finding one.
>
> Keep on Busin' -Jim D
Hello Jim,
Did you convert the fuel system over to that of a gas vehicle or are you
driving an improperly vented, non vapor revcovery, emmision illegal time
bomb. Although I see the benifits of this conversion, this last step should
not be over looked. Just thought I'd enter some fuel for thought.
Keep on Bussin'
Dennis Haynes.
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