A timing belt change should be the minimum consideration.  The oil and fuel
systems are potential sources of expensive problems.  You can avoid spending
$$$ by performing some preventive maintenance before trying to start the
engine.

All of the 1.6 liter normally aspirated diesels use the same block and head
through about 1985.  1986 or so through 1992 have hydraulic lifters with a
cylinder block and head that are not interchangeable with older engines.
Turbocharged models are essentially the same, but have oil nozzles that
spray on the piston for cooling and different valves in the head.  These are
very suitable for Vanagon installation with or without the turbo system.

You should consider buying a factory service manual (Bentley) ASAP.  It will
prove an invaluable tool.  www.busdepot.com usually has them for a far
better price than the VW dealer.  Bentley will tell you how to change the
timing belt, which is basically:  1) remove upper belt cover.  2) remove
valve cover.  3) rotate engine until #1 piston is at TDC.  4)loosen
tensioner pulley and remove belt.  5) use $200 worth of special tools to
correctly position crank, cam, and injector pump.  6) install new belt,
tension.  7) check pump timing, adjust if necessary.  8) reassemble.  9)
drive and enjoy the most reliable Vanagon available (yes, it is slow).  I'm
probably forgetting something here, check the Bentley!

After sitting for 5 years, there may be some internal engine corrosion.  I
would change the oil and filter before anything else, and plan on changing
again in 500 or so miles.  Oil is cheap, engines are expensive.  Be sure to
use the correct filter for the diesel Vanagon.  It is different from all
other VW diesel oil filters and has an anti-drainback valve to help reduce
the time lag between startup and full oil pressure.  Bus Depot carries them
too.  Buy one at a VW dealer for about $10 if you can't wait.  Do not
tighten the oil drain plug too much.  The aluminum casting will crack and
oil pans are very expensive when you can find them (not very often).

The fuel system is just as important.  Buy a new filter.  I cannot speculate
what the condition of the fuel in your tank is.  In 5 years time, it could
be full of algae that will immediately plug your fuel system.
Unfortunately, draining the tank is a daunting task.  You could try to
siphon a bit of it for inspection.

Pay close attention to the oil level in the engine.  Nothing will destroy
your engine faster than too little oil.  Diesel engines consume small
amounts of oil in normal operation.  An engine that has been sitting for 5
years could burn it at an amazing rate until any cylinder corrosion is gone.
I had an engine that ran well but consumed 1 quart of oil every 75 miles.
Keep checking the oil!  When you have "broken in" the engine again, check
the compression.  By then you should have a Bentley manual to tell you the
acceptable values.

The diesel Vanagon transmission is different from all other models.  1982
models have 4 speeds.  1983 models are 5 speeds.  The gearing is much lower
than gasoline vans.

You will find much help from the members of this list with your diesel
Vanagon.  Also consider subscribing to the VW diesel list at www.vwfans.com
for diesel-specific information.

Mike Snow
1982 Westfalia 1.6TD
1983 ASI 1.6D

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM]On Behalf Of
Frederick M. Wasserstein
Sent: Monday, December 25, 2000 2:23 AM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: !982 Diesel

Merry Christmas Everybody,
I have a 1982 with a diesel, I have been told that this motor is the same as
other VW's  (golf). How would I optain a list of ones that were exactly the
same? Does that include tranny ofr just motors? Is there an easy way to
change the timing belt. Mine has been parked by the PO for about 5 years and
I am thinking before I drive it this Summer I ought to repace the Timing
belt! Please help if you can!