On my 86 the second half of the tank seems to be smaller than the first
half, if you need a tune up, 75 miles might be about right for a little
less than a half tank. I'm getting around 250 - 275 on a full tank. Also,
There was a recall on some of these gas tanks (leaking around the gauge)
which VW fixed free. Before getting the recall done my tank would only fill
about 3 quarters full.

Scott

----------
> From: The Martins <nitram@TBCNET.COM>
> To: Vanagon@GERRY.SDSC.EDU
> Subject: Awful Mileage - 85 Vanagon
> Date: Sunday, December 14, 1997 8:58 PM
>
> Just bought a 85 Vanagon.  Seem to get real bad mileage. (75mile per 1/2
> tank)  I'm currently cleaning it up real good also putting in new plugs,
> cap ,etc.  etc.  Anything  special to fix for such terrible mileage ?  In
> that 75 miles it did buck and hesitate, etc. after 15 minutes at 55mph.
> Turning it off and restarting didn't majically fix it, it worked itself
out
> in a short time.  Only drove it a few miles since then, as it's real
dirty
> inside and I have to take care of that, but it hasn't happened since.
> Although I have not cruised for 15 min. since either.  Do I read too much
> into things and need to wait it out, or is this a common problem that I
can
> be perpared to rectify ?
>
> Thanks,  Merry Christmas
>
> Larry