Sounds like a little mess, easily set right for a little $$. Boston Bob can
guide you on the nitty specifics.

Yes, with only minor differences, the FI System is identical 1976-1983.5.
Same with the motor. Hydraulic lifters, easier-to-access alternator,
belt-driver heater blower, and better cooling (tinware) are the only
changes that come to mind. You would be better served by finding the tin
from a 1982 van, as there is a re-design at cylinder 3 that bleeds hot air
directly out, rather than through the push-rod tube cavity.

Further, the 1970's tin makes no provision for the repositioned alternator,
auxiliary heater blower, or ancillary ducting for the heat. As you are
prolly well aware, the tin MUST seal completely around all openings to the
space below the motor or you risk the cooling fan sucking up super-heated
air instead of sucking it through the ducts high up on the sides of the
van.

Also, make sure they used the later model heat flapper boxes that have
"exhaust tubes" rather than a simple mushroom vent. The tubes assist in
directing hot air out from under the motor.

Best of luck,

G. Matthew Bulley
Bulley-Hewlett
Corporate Communications Counselors
www.bulley-hewlett.com
Mount Olive, NC USA
877.658.1278 tollfree

"I, the undersigned, shall forfeit all rights, privileges, and licenses
herein and herein contained, et cetera, et cetera . . . fax mentis
incendium gloria culpum, et cetera, et cetera . . . memo bis punitor
delicatum!" It's all there, black and white, clear as crystal!      -Wonka

-----Original Message-----
From:   David [SMTP:david@RENAISSANCE-DESIGN.COM]
Sent:   Wednesday, May 03, 2000 9:40 AM
To:     vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject:        Unkown Engine??

I believe my oriignal message was sent to listserv and not vanagon, oh well
here it is again...

My 82 Vanagon does not have the original engine.  All the PO and mechanic
could tell me is that it has mechanical lifters and the engine tin has been
modified.  The only modification that I can see is to the tin between the
fan and the rear apron/bumper, but there may be other modifications.

It sounds like it is an engine from a late '70s bus??  Any ideas on whether
that is possible and what engine tin would have had to been modified??

The long and the short of it is that I would like to rebuild the engine,
add hydrolic lifters (probably through Bob), and get the correct engine tin
 so that it is just like the original .  Does this sound like it will be a
problem??  By this I am asking if it sounds like it was a hack job and
there are probably other problems to look for, or that it could possibly be
a different engine than the standard 2.0L. The mechanic said that there is
only one type of FI for the late '70s early '80s, is this true?. Just
trying to sort things out.

Any thoughts, insights are appriciated.  Thanks,

David