I had a 2.0 aircooled transporter for 10 years and them bought a 2.1
syncro which I have had for 6 years, My petrol consumption has improved
from 18l/100km to 14l/100km with more power and the same amount of
reliability.

To prolong engine life, Don't drive it hard(especially when cold) and
keep it well serviced. Keep your revs below 4K.

Cheers

Jimmy

>>> Eric Henning <eric.henning@US.ABB.COM> 12/03/99 02:48PM >>>
>David Cooper <Zcoop1@AOL.COM>

wrote:

>Ok so I am a rookie in the world of Vanagons.
>since I am a rookie any more tips on prolonging
>the life of my aircooled engine?( if you have particular products that
seem
>best please let me know)  What is a good rapair manual to get?

David,  we were all rookies once.  I got my first air-cooled 2.5 years
ago. A
1980 westy.  Been lovin'
ever since.  Planning a cross country trip this summer in it.  My
suggestions
would be to add
an oil temp gauge (lets you know if your working the engine too hard),
a
tachometer
(I always like to know how fast my engine is turning - try to keep mine
between
2 and 4k rpm).
Keep your eye on ebay for a Bentley manual cheap.  you can also pick up
a Haynes
 for around $12
new.  may have to order from a vendor.  change your oil every 3k miles.
 I plan
on adding an oil
pressure gauge.  There is a secret group of us air-cooled vanagon list
members,
but don't tell
anyone.  I will send you the secret info pack seperately.

welcome.

eric h.
80 westy