Yep. Diesels were introduced in 1982 model year. I have seen some 1981
references, but that is date of manufacture. For example, the chassis of
my '82 diesel westy was made in 1981.

So, you need to look at the back badge (or the underside engine area) to
really know what year an early water cooled vanagon is. The Vanagon diesel
engines have a sheet metal "diaper".

Jon

> So, looking at an early vanagon w/ lower front radiator grille would not
> necessarily mean it was an 83.5 or later!
> When did they start making the diesels?
>
> Tom B.-learning something new every day?
>
>
> >
> >
> > bueses wrote:
> >> on 9/19/06 2:33 PM, Paul Chubbuck at paul@TAKINGFLIGHT.NET wrote:
> >>
> >>
> >>> The coolant reservoir in my 1982 Vanagon is not holding pressure, despite a
> >>> new VW cap.  This was originally a diesel, though converted to gas before I
> >>> owned it.  I think the reservoir is the original one and I cannot find a
> >>> replacement.  I'd prefer new, if possible, but at this point wouldn't be
> >>> picky as long as I can get one in good condition.
> >>>
> >>> The VW part number is 068 121 405B.
> >>>
> >>> Thanks for any help obtaining this part.
> >>>
> >>> Paul
> >>
> >>
> >>  Hmmm, weren't all 82's aircooled?
> >>
> >> Tom B.-did diesels come as water cooled in 82?
> >>
>