Hi,

Thanks for the pics. I also have a 1.9TD conversion, but with the
45 degree standard tilt. See:
http://www.cs.yale.edu/homes/jag/vw/

   Date:        Thu, 20 Nov 2003 21:00:52 -0400
   From:        Wade Yorke <wade@carsand.com>

   Hi Martin;
           I have seen your name mentioned on various sites in connection with VW
   Diesels.  I have a 1984 Westfalia which I have just had a 1996 1.9TD
   installed.
           It starts fine off the glow plugs and when it is good and warm, but
   when it sits for an hour or so it turns overs for at least 5 seconds
   before starting.

If forcing glow plug on won't help:
Check fuel lines *very carefully*. Your symptom is exactly that of a
very small air leak. Fuel drains back, and you need to crank a lot to
remove all air from pump and potentially also fuel lines.

           Someone mentioned removing the wire from the temperature
   sensor so the
   glow plugs light everytime.  Will this shorten the life of the glow
   plugs?

Probably saw on my WWW page. I have run this way for years. Not a problem
if you are using 1.9 plugs (they have a non-linear temp-resistance curve,
and will automatically reduce current when hot.) It will however reduce life
of the old style glow plugs.

           The other issue I have is a severe vibration/resonance when the rpm's
   go over 3,000.  I have done some research and have found that this is a
   problem with all inline conversions into the Vanagon when hydraulic
   mounts are not used.  Apparently Saab mounts work best.  Do you have
   any opinions?  Mine has solid Audi 80 mounts (see Photos)

Mine is pretty quiet up to 3250rpm, which is ok for HW driving with my
4.5 final drive (about 110km/h).

For the diesel T3's VW had
two mount arrangements. The early one (only one available in USA) is
ok, but not great. THe later one (seen on a few '83 with the rare 5sp
tranny in Canada) is a bit better (quieter). The rubber mounts are
different and the engine located is slightly further aft.

I've been trying to test drive various VW campers lately to see if
there is a quieter alternative. The post 1986 T3's seem a bit quieter.
Probably better sound insulation.

Surprisingly the T4 Eurovans are not much quieter than the T3 vanagon.
The 5 cyl engine is roaring at 120km/h. The 6 cyl is quieter,
but with the westy top there's still a lot of wind noise.

Cheers,
Martin (Edmonton AB)

PS I sea kayaked and camped around NS last summer.