Diesel Vanagon:  If you don't get it, you just don't get it.  It's not the
fastest, but it's fast enough.  It's not the most quiet, but I can converse
on the highway.  There's no power (name your trouble prone accessory), but I
can ignore all the threads about how superfluous accessories caused X number
of problems resulting in Y dollars spent on repairs instead of adventurous
trips and cold adult beverages.  IMHO it IS the most economical and reliable
VW van (flame suit buttoned up tight).  My one bitch... no Syncro version
available in the USA.  You just can't have it all :-(

I wouldn't drive my 4 speed van at 65-67 for extended periods, but I have no
scientific evidence to say that it will kill the engine.  The 5 speed,
however, will do that on flat ground all day long without giving me the
willies.  If you are using a "C" rated oil for diesel engines (Shell,
Chevron, Pennzoil, etc.) and your engine is not on its last legs, there
should not be a sludge problem at 3000 miles.  If you are having oil
viscosity problems (too thick) I would consider oil analysis.  It is more
likely to be soot than sludge.  If so, you need some engine service SOON.
Excessive soot in the oil will KILL the engine.  Check the archives on this
one.  Someone blew a low mileage diesel from excessive soot in the oil.

A Friday/Sunday message from one of the diesel possessed,

Mike Snow
Camp Pendleton, California
1982 Westfalia 1.6TD
1983 ASI 1.6D