As of last year, most of the tin was still available through VW. Small
pieces that are missing or rusted can be repaired with some creativity.  I
was able to get the pieces that were missing for an engine I was installing.
I did have to fabricate a cable for the thermostat though. An oil cooler is
a good idea but the real problem you will have is keeping the heads and
upper cylinders cool. It is essential that the EGR system is in place and
working. Although I don't believe in excess instrumentation, since you are
in a hot climate and you plan to use the AC, head temp, oil temp, oil
pressure gauges are a must. Especially if you plan on extended highway
drives. Cracked manifolds and cylinder leaks are common on these engines.
Warped cases are also a major problem. Most of the rebuilds I've seen that
fail early (especially loose/leaking heads) are caused by a bad case. Low
oil pressure is also common on rebuilds because most rebuilder's don't think
Align Bores are necessary. Make sure you use the proper oil. 10w30 is a
no-no. 20-50 or straight 40 unless using a synthetic. Then 15-50 is okay.
Hope this helps.

Dennis

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com]On Behalf
Of Michael Edwards
Sent: Sunday, February 04, 2001 1:13 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Aircooling tin questions

 I am currently installing a new 2.0 in my 82 Westy.  I have spent
buku hours cleaning, scrubbing all parts and painting the tin.
Before I put this whole mess back together, I have a few questions about hte
tin:
1. Do i need to use any gasket sealer between the pieces?
2.  what can i use to repair/replace small pieces of missing/broken/rusted
tin?
3.  Ths van has a/c (aftermarket) and it appears that the PO did
a decent job of istalling it--nice job trimming the tin, etc...Is
there any special suggestions for that area of the cooling tin.
 I am concerned b/c it appears that the failure of the previous
engine was due to a combinnnnnation of problems w/ the cylinder
closest to the compressor (ie. cracked exhaust man.,oil leaks at
cyl. base, blown head) that lead me to think of a possible coooling
problem due to missing tin b/c of a/c install.
4.  Should I put on an aux oil cooler?  Iam in AZ, so damn hot here,
plus it has a/c. If so, what is best setup to run?
Thanks for help
Mike
82 Westy (unnamed, sorry)

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