I am sure you will like you diesel A LOT (If you are not in a hurry... ;)
reliable, easy maintenance, cheap on gas...
Take a look at this site about Diesel vanagons
www.cs.rochester.edu/u/jag/vw/

Sylvain B�langer
Montreal Quebec
1.6l TD westy

>From: Michael Snow <mwsnow@HOME.COM>
>Reply-To: Michael Snow <mwsnow@HOME.COM>
>To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
>Subject: Re: !982 Diesel
>Date: Mon, 25 Dec 2000 10:31:21 -0800
>
>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!

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