> I am new to this list as of today and will also be picking up my 29th VW
> (since 1970), an '82 diesel Vanagon. I currently own 2 other VW diesels, an
> '81 Rabbit (daily driver) and '81 Pickup (waiting for a rebuild).

Congratulations!

> I have a few questions for you more experienced Vanagon folks:

> Their is an oil leak around the oil filler when going over 60 mph (says the
> previous owner). Oil drips on the muffler. I think there is a crack around a
> filler extension. Is this an easy fix?

Is the problem with the plastic or aluminum part? Or worse, just where they
join? If you are lucky its just the o-ring where the alum thing attaches
to the oil pan.

But be sure that's the problem and the oil leak is not from somewhere
else. Mainshaft and intermediate shaft seals commonly also start to leak.
Or you might have blowby pressing oil out the filler tube.

> Is it possible to use some Westy parts inside to make this Vanagon better
> for camping? I would eventually like to have a sink, stove, and fridge and
> be able to sleep two.

Yes. Putting in the Westy cabinets is easy. Putting on a pop top is
a bit more involved. Several listmembers part out Westy's. Just
scan the list a whule and you'll find plenty.

> What are the best engine choices for this vehicle? Is a turbo-diesel from a
> Jetta or similar vehicle a drop in?

The golf/jetta TD is a bit difficult to fit due to the turbo interfering
with the left motor mount. The Quantum TD drops right in.
1.9l TD's and TDI's are more modern alternatives.

Cheers,
Martin
--
Westy 1.9l Turbo Diesel
Quantum 1.6l Turbo Diesel

Martin Jagersand                 email: jag@cs.yale.edu
Computer Science Department             jag@cs.rochester.edu
Yale University

        Slow down and visit the VW diesel Westy page:
          WWW: http://www.cs.rochester.edu/u/jag/vw
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