I had a similiar incident on an 85 Westy as far as poor gas miliage.  I
found that my tires were under inflated for starters.   This improved the
gas miliage.  However, the greatest improvement we when I switched the tires
from Wrangler tires to top of the line generals.  It appears that some tires
have a ROLLING RESISTANCE RATING, (check consumer reports tire comparison
article on this) thus  by having less rolling resistance, this increases the
mpg of the vehicle.  It also did wonders for the ride too.  Good luck!
Jose in Canutillo, Texas - 85 Westy with factory Westfalia Hightop (po
imported the vehicle from Germany)
-----Original Message-----
From: STEVEN G WACKER <s_j_wacker@JUNO.COM>
To: Vanagon@GERRY.SDSC.EDU <Vanagon@GERRY.SDSC.EDU>
Date: Monday, December 15, 1997 9:28 AM
Subject: Re: Awful Mileage - 85 Vanagon

>To the Martins: Sounds like you bought your van from someone who didn't
>care much for the vehicle...hence, poor upkeep. Clean it up and do the
>tune-up things you said you were doing, then if the problems persist the
>list can address more specific cures. I know fixing up a neglected van
>can be very expensive but also very much fun and a great learning
>experience, especially if it's not your daily driver and you can work on
>it in your spare time.
>
>It would be nice to know your first names and what state you hail from.
>
>
>Steve and Jo Ann Wacker
>San Marcos, Ca.
>90 Carat
>86 Syncro