Except for those folks that are tired of paying 'big oil'.  Check the
prices for an 82 or 83 Diesel Westy.  Compare and contrast with 82 to
84 gasoline Westy. Diesel engine seems to increase the value
substantially. Even broke diesel engines. Probably has something to
do with the multi-fuel capabilities. And the 26-30 mp(US)g. That and
the grrls know that diesel drivers are more intelligent and better
looking. <g>

Now to answer the original poster's question.  To use a couple
acronyms, you're SOL 'cause they've been NLA for years. The 1982
coolant header tank was a one year, one model only item.  Any one you
find will probably be 25 years old too. You're best off adapting a
wasserboxer tank.  Will require some fabrication, but that tank
probably won't go NLA for another year or two and you can gain the
coolant level sensor.

Jim
1.9 NA Diesel Westy too

On Sep 19, 2006, at 3:15 PM, jon wrote:

> Diesel were the first watercooled Vanagons. Yup, an '82 diesel is
> watercooled. A fact few people know, and even fewer care about. ;)
>
> 1983.5 is *not* the first time Vanagons were watercooled.
>
>
>
> 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?
>>