Since the Vanagon was originally conceived with an air-cooled engine the air
ducts in the back of the bus force air down into the engine compartment.
The air cooled motor was sealed against the engine compartment where the fan
would suck the 'cool' air from the top and force it out the bottom.  Even if
you have a waterboxer it is a good idea not block those vents or obstruct
them in any way.  This keeps your engine compartment temperature down,
extends life of the rubber and plastic components, and lowers your air
intake temperature.

I am thinking of a way to devise aluminum scoops that would mount in the
back of the vents and create a high-pressure area over them.  This would
force more air into the engine compartment lowering the temperatures even
further.  It would be helpful in hot climates, especially for low-speed
driving.

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com]On Behalf
Of David Beierl
Sent: Thursday, June 22, 2000 11:30 AM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Re: Air Flow

At 01:57 6/7/2000, David W. Long wrote:
>Okay, here's a crazy question. As the Vanagon moves down the road, does
>the air flow up from the engine through the air vents or down through the
>air vents and into the engine?

I dunno.  But I do know that the engine area is a high-pressure zone, it
will lift the lid and send hot air into the cabin if the lid is just lying
there and not secured.

>  And while were at it, does a 1988 Vanagon come with a stock engine oil
> cooler and if it doesn't where can I mount one without a lot of plumbing?

Does.  Goes between filter and engine case.

david
David Beierl - Providence, RI
  http://pws.prserv.net/synergy/Vanagon/
'84 Westy "Dutiful Passage"
'85 GL "Poor Relation"