Hi Robby,

The Syncro manual says it holds 18.5 gallons of fuel. Some people report
having a hard time getting it that full. I've traveled 300 miles on a tank a
couple of times, stopping with 2-3 gallons remaining. The other big factor
regarding your economy will be the weight you're carrying.

High altitude will increase your mileage, but decrease the power available.
The sluggishness you notice above 6500' is to be expected. At that altitude
your waterboxer has already lost about 20HP, so it's kinda like powering
your heavy Syncro with an air-cooled engine at sea-level.

Angus

Angus Gordon
Bainbridge Island WA

On Fri, Apr 8, 2011 at 3:22 PM, robby kilborn <robbykilborn@gmail.com>wrote:

> 1987 Vanagon Syncro Camper with 142,000 miles on the 2.1L WBX engine.
> 15W40 Royal Purple Oil.  Mann Filter.
> New fuel Filter, New Oil Filter, Clean K&N Air Filter.
>
> Firstly, what is the agreed Gas Tank Volume?  Is it 18.4Gallons?
>
> Secondly, what kind of miles per tank should I be getting on a normal
> functioning engine, running 14" BFGoodRich AllTerrains, filled to 50lbs all
> around.
>
> I know there are many variables ... speed, terrain, hwy/city etc. I'm
> talking Road Trip Miles... there are a few stops and goes... a few hill
> climbs, but mostly winding 55mph roads... Sometimes there are headwinds,
> sometimes not.. but usually there are good winds to run against, and for
> the
> most part, it seems there have been more uphill miles than down.
>
>
> Thirdly, what is the agreed affect of high altitude driving on mileage?
>
> Fourth, is it normal that the WBXR motor has such a hard time taking any
> form of incline in 4th gear above 6,500 feet?   The engine runs great, but
> there is no power in 4th gear when I drive at altitudes above 6500'.  Below
> 6500', it climbs, drives and passes as if to make up for its obstinate
> behavior in thinner air.
>
> Thanks,
> Robby
>