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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
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii

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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