hey that's a completely thorough VIN decoder list !
nice.
I'll bet this '85 Diesel' has a 'B' in the 5th position of the VIN,
indicating it was a gasoline water-cooled vanagon when it left the factory -
or at least, that's what's most likely.
  a factor to be aware of ........
in states that require smog checks on 85 gasoline cars........
the DMV's computer might think it's a gas car, and they would want you to
get a smog check etc, and you'd have to convince them it's a diesel etc.
but where is the original poster, now they we've commneted in these posts ?
what say he ?
----- Original Message -----
From: "Doug Fitz-Randolph" <fitzr@SUSCOM-MAINE.NET>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Saturday, July 26, 2008 5:58 AM
Subject: Re: 1985 Diesel vanagon

> Phil,
>
> First, there aren't any US model 1985 diesel vanagons. They were only sold
> here from 81-83. So either the seller has the year wrong, or the van was
> not
> originally a diesel, or it is a non-US model. You can check the year by
> looking at the placard usually on the drivers door pillar or by decoding
> the
> windshield VIN at http://www.vanagonparts.com/vin_decoder.html . If the
> van
> was not originally a diesel, chances are the batter will be located under
> the passenger seat. Diesels have the battery in the engine compartment.
>
> Re. recommendations/advice... if you are happy driving 50-55 MPH on the
> interstate and watching the line of traffic in your rear-view mirror
> queued
> up waiting to get around you, and if you don't mind shifting into 2nd gear
> to get up hills a gas vanagon could probably lug over in 4th, the diesel
> is
> a pretty nice vehicle. It does get very good mileage - you might be able
> to
> get 30 or more - but factor in that diesel costs nearly 25% more than gas
> and your savings are eroded somewhat.
>
> If you are planning to collect grease to either make your own biodiesel or
> put in a grease system so you can run straight vegetable oil (SVO), I
> would
> suggest securing a supply of grease first. Lots of people are doing it now
> so finding grease is not as easy as it used to be. Also, it does require
> considerable effort to collect and process the oil. And with diesel at
> nearly $5/gal, you will be competing with the commercial waste collection
> companies. Not trying to talk you out of it, but I hear a lot of people
> saying they are going to get a diesel car so they can "burn biodiesel"
> without really knowing what it entails - just do your research.
>
> Cheers,
> Doug Fitz-Randolph
> Freeport, ME