Date: Wed, 1 Dec 1999 21:35:27 -0800
Reply-To: Zoltan Kuthy <zol@FOXINTARNET.NET>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Zoltan Kuthy <zol@FOXINTARNET.NET>
Subject: Re: Putting a water cooled engine in an 82
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Oh, no. I would never change it.
I personally own five of them all in their early 80s. The best of it is to be
an air cooled one. It is also classic that way. But the main reason behind it
is it's rugged reliability.
Not having all the usual trouble with the sensitive water system is a blessing.
A typical vehicle for times of war, desert, away from civilization, etc. It has
no timing belt, does not need to adjust valves ever, can not blow a head
gasket. That extra hundred items in the water cooled engine speeks for itself
on the pages of the list where you find members having all kind of myseries all
the time. And what about the price of parts. The water cooled ones are about
three times more expensive. And not awailable maybe. Can you find parts in the
wrecking yard for the water cooled ones. No. But air cooled ones yes.
Just need to change oil and filter often enough. A good thing is to have an oil
temperature gauge so you can monitor the engine's happiness. Use quality oil.
I also have a South African super filter that will keep my oil new and I do not
loose those pricy additives that help keep the motor new. I use Prolong. For
the gas I use Duralt. Small things and the motor will stay new, the consumption
will stay normal, the temperature stays normal, and you can make those five
thousand miles long trips without planning a lot. Even Death Valley. Their
is not a place in the Western US and Canada where we did not go and see. From
San Diego to Edmonton, Canada. From New Mexico to Vancouver BC.
And never with a thought of possible break down. Up the Rockies 14 000 feet.
Driving under
eighty miles per hour, 4-600 miles a day. I fact I make sure that when I get
an other Westy it is an air cooled one. That is one way to eliminate a lot of
trouble. I am planning to get a Westfalia rental
business off the ground next year. Only air cooled ones. Yes there is a little
power and speed difference. But you are driving a vacation vehicle. Take your
time.
I guess that is enough for today.
ZOLTAN
> I just bought my first Westie! It is an 82 in good mechanical shape. I am
> wondering if it is possible or for that matter even a good idea to try put a
> water-cooled engine in it?
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