If you have the original plastic dipstick on an '82 U.S. spec. diesel, the capacity
should be  about 4.2 U.S. quarts.  I seem to recall that my original dipstick was
green.  When it broke, I replaced it with a new VW replacement part that was pink
plastic.  The new dipstick allowed a little more capacity, I think about 1/2 quart
more.  Later, I added a second dipstick that is a replacement part for a later
model diesel Vanagon (I don't know what year).  If I add 5 1/2 quarts with filter,
then the oil level measures midway between the full and add marks on this second
dipstick.  This second dipstick enters the middle of the engine block just above
the oil pan gasket.  It is all metal and its chrome guide tube makes a sweeping
curve from the hole in the block, past the alternator, to the top part of the
license plate hole.

Mike <mjcatlin@pacbell.net:
Davis, Calif.

>
> >       Can anyone tell me what the oil capacity is on a Diesel
> >      vanagon?TIA!Tom Czerniak
> >