I'm so happy.  My 82 diesel vanagon sailed through the diesel emissions test
yesterday afternoon.  She did 69 mph on the dyno, believe it or not.  Alan
at Diesels Only here in Denver is a great guy and knows the VW diesel engine
well.  I'd recommend them!  He actually mentioned that diesels perform
better in cold weather.  Also said that Texaco and Diamond Shamrock sell the
best diesel.  Last but not least mentioned that I should not be afraid to
work the engine, that it's better to give it the revs and max speed in each
gear when need be (especially on hills, hiway, etc.), rather than pussyfoot
and labor the engine   Said that 4th gear is really an overdrive!  I'm not
100% sure about this though.  I'd like to get many miles out of this engine
before it needs a rebuild (he said 150k is possible as long as the oil's
changed every 2500 miles) and don't want to lower the mpg too much.  Driving
the van through its full capacity and not being afraid to use 3rd gear up to
40 or 45 mph is quite a different diesel vanagon experience.  Can keep up
with the flow of traffic much better.  Like I said though, I'm worried that
driving her this way could do some damage or wear the engine out faster.
Anyway, I'm one happy camper (and all set to do some camping).

I noticed that the cap is missing on the overflow coolant tank - the one
behind the license plate door.  It was sealed with a bit of plastic which
must have come off.  I've replaced the plastic but probobly should find the
right cap for it (I lost a bit of coolant on the drive home due to the
plastic falling off).  Anyone know where I can find one?