I would tend to agree with Dennis.  I also think 4500RPM is much less
hazardous in 3rd or 4th than it is in 1st, second, or reverse!!

When I had my 2.1 dynoed calibrating the Haltech unit, the tech frequently
ran the motor in the 52-5500 range for 15-20 bursts.  Haltech has a readout
for coolant temp on the computer screen so it was easy to monitor.  We also
had major size fans blowing on the radiator to sim freeway speed airflow.

DM&FS

At 07:50 PM 4/10/2006, Dennis Haynes wrote:

>Since the engine runs at 4,000 rpm or over in 4th gear, why do you feel
>that you need to shift out of third at 3,000 rpm? You are doing engine
>damage from lugging. This is the best way to destroy main and rod
>bearings. The Vanagon engine is an under square engine. That is, the
>stroke is less than the bore. As such, for its size, it is not a torque
>producer. Power is developed at speed. When accelerating quickly, I
>up-shift as the acceleration is dropping off. This is usually about
>4,200 to 4,400 rpm. When taking hills, if needed I will hold ~ 4,500
>rpm, backing off the gas if up shifting will then cause me to loose
>speed. Going above that for short spurts is OK but extended open
>throttle high speed operation will quickly heat the oil and as the
>torque drops off, there is not much benefit.
>
>Dennis
>
>-----Original Message-----
>From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf
>Of chris
>Sent: Monday, April 10, 2006 6:12 PM
>To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
>Subject: redline (not the oil)
>
>How high do you guys usually allow your motors to rev when trying to
>pull up in 3rd and get going fast enough to continue on into 4th gear?
>
>  From listening to the motor, I try to always keep it under 3k if I can,
>but when fully loaded and on a trip (going uphills/etc) I find myself
>often pushing the 4k mark.
>
>At what point are you going too high and doing damage?
>
>Thanks,
>chris
>
>
>(I did try searching archives, but there is just so much talk about
>redline oil I couldnt find any decent previous topics)
>
>
>
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