Overheating is not an issue if the engine is kept clean, and the oil
is heavy. I run Mobil 1 Full Synthetic 15w-50 and heat is never an
issue. With Dino oil in it, it would run hotter than I liked.   ...JMM

Justin M. Mayrand
1980 Westy "SuperVan"

On Aug 3, 2005, at 5:05 PM, Aaron Pearson wrote:

> do they overheat more easily, e.g. at 100F, in 2nd gear up a steep
> grade?
>
> aaron
> '87 syncro gl
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On
> Behalf
> Of Zoltan
> Sent: Wednesday, August 03, 2005 2:58 PM
> To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> Subject: Re: More Reliable: Air or H2O
>
> I had them both.  The AFC has far less parts that makes it requiring
> less repairs.
> The H2O has its little advantages but much more sensitive and needs
> more
> knowledge to keep it going.
> Typically, when I was planning to go up to the Arctic Ocean North of
> Canada, I opted for the AFC model and had no trouble at all, but one
> flat tire.
> Also about as desolate a place when touring in Europe, in terms of
> getting your car fixed, the AFC is a much more user friendly unit.
> Simplicity is invited over some small advantage to gain reliability.
> In fact, even between the H20 units, the 1.9 has better lasting
> engine,
> albeit less power.
> Still, most of us use 2.1L H2O units with all the upgrades and options
> we can get.
> We like the challenges of these beasts.  They are easily reparable, it
> is our advanced mechanical toy we like to take apart and put together.
> They are also the proof of our good work and we are the mechanics on
> board.  It is making good sense to know as much as you can, in
> economical and practical instant self defence.
> Zoltan
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Justin Mayrand" <jmayrand@METROCAST.NET>
> To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
> Sent: Wednesday, August 03, 2005 1:07 PM
> Subject: More Reliable: Air or H2O
>
>
>
>> OK, a recent post got me to thinking, and this may have already been
>> discussed, but I was too lazy to check the archives...
>>
>> Which is more reliable, the AFC or H2O cooled Vanagon?
>>
>> I have an AFC, and is is spot on reliable - in fact it starts better
>> than my Toyota truck some days. All I need to do is keep the oil
>> clean
>>
>
>
>> and cool. No water system to fail. Yes, it is slow, but...
>>
>> Other opinions?   ...JMM
>>
>
>