Date:         Sun, 28 Nov 1999 11:50:21 -0800
Reply-To:     Doktor Tim <doktortim@ROCKISLAND.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Doktor Tim <doktortim@ROCKISLAND.COM>
Subject:      Re: opinions please
Comments: cc: ewoenker@CTLNET.COM
In-Reply-To:  <17331959314968@ctlnet.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"

At 12:50 PM 11/28/1999 -0600, you wrote:
>Dear list,
>
>I hope that this makes it to the vanagon list since I am not subscribed.  I
>currently own a 74 Westy and am subscribed to the type 2 list. I am looking
>at an 82 diesel vanagon and I was on the vanagon page and read that the
>major disadvantage to the diesel is the lack of power, but owning a 1800
>automatic, I am fairly used to that.  My question here is; besides the lack
>of power, can diesel owners give me the pros and cons of this vehicle?  I
>would sincerely appreciate any imput on this subject.
>

The power issue is one of wear. They have wonderful power when the motor
and fuel injection pump are new. They both are designed to wear in and wear
out together. At 100,000 miles with rigorous simple maintenance, they might
be down less than 5% on power loss. A valve problem can develop at much
less if not kept in adjustment and the timing belt replaced a 'coppla
times. Motor replacements are common around 125K. Better oil change
intervals can extend that up to 200k, if we're talking German bearings and
parts carefully assembled and adjusted to spec.

Maintenance is simple and direct. Clean Oil, timing belt, clean oil,
filters, clean oil, coolant, clean oil, and a yearly inspection of
drivetrain, chassis, steering, brakes, suspension and clean oil.  What you
get is reliable, efficient, long lived suitability for purpose.

Just have the motor compression and fuel pump pressures tested before
purchase to allow or not for remaining value there. If you have a rebuilt
motor with an original pump, know that by replacing the pump you will have
much more power from that new motor.

Good luck in your search.


Doktor Tim
Maintenance Repair and Restoration of European Vehicles
San Juan Island, WA