The Vanagon Dictionary

English · source definition

An onboard tank that stores water for a camper's sink supply. Capacity, location, filler, vent, and drain differ by conversion; it is not necessarily a potable-water-rated tank unless the specific installation is documented as such.

• camper
• water-system
• interior

English · machine-assisted draft

Shut-off and reserve valve located on VWs produced without fuel gauges

• fuel
• valve
• reserve

English · source definition

A fuel container and supply connection serving propane appliances fitted to some camper conversions. Tank location, capacity, regulator, lines, and supported appliances are installation-specific; use the vehicle and appliance documentation for operation or service.

• camper
• appliance
• fuel-system

English · source definition

The pressurized tank in the water-cooled Vanagon cooling circuit that accommodates coolant expansion and provides a fill and bleed point. It is separate from the low-pressure coolant refill reservoir; the names are sometimes confused in parts listings.

• engine
• water-cooled
• cooling

English · machine-assisted draft

A categorization of repair tasks or procedures

• repair
• groups

English · machine-assisted draft

Tools that are specifically designed for a particular task

• tools
• maintenance

English · machine-assisted draft

A colloquialism for a large, heavy hammer used for various tasks.

• hammer
• tool

English · machine-assisted draft

a ring-shaped seal used to protect wires or pipes

• fuel
• tank
• seal

English · source definition

The small electric pump that moves water from an onboard camper tank to the sink faucet when the tank-water mode is selected. It is separate from the engine's coolant-circulation pump.

• camper
• water-system
• electrical

English · machine-assisted draft

A tube that carries fuel from the tank to the engine

• fuel
• line
• replacement

English · machine-assisted draft

A graphical user interface element that opens automatically when certain IDs are tapped.

• ui
• ux
• wiring

English · machine-assisted draft

A table comparing engine wear across different VW Bus models

• vw
• bus
• wear

English · machine-assisted draft

A large rock used as an improvised tool for various repairs and tasks.

• tool
• improvised
• repair

English · machine-assisted draft

A system for switching between the main gas tank and an emergency reserve

• gas
• gauge
• reserve

English · source definition

The accessible coolant container used to replenish the water-cooled Vanagon system as coolant moves between the pressurized expansion tank and the reservoir. It is not the pressurized expansion tank itself; verify the part by the vehicle's cooling-system layout.

• engine
• water-cooled
• cooling

English · machine-assisted draft

Engine type where oil is stored in a separate tank, not in the crankcase.

• engine
• oil

English · machine-assisted draft

A type of wire used to hold or secure items, often used in place of tape or ties.

• wire
• fastener
• hold

English · machine-assisted draft

A large, flat-bladed screwdriver used for various tasks such as prying, chiseling, and breaking.

• screwdriver
• tool
• pry

English · source definition

The drain pipe and outlet that carry used sink water out of the camper sink. Some vintage camper layouts discharge through an open outlet rather than a grey-water tank, so the installed arrangement should be checked on the vehicle.

• camper
• water-system
• plumbing

English · source definition

Special model of the bus , based on the Standard bus , first available in 1951. The most notable feature was the smaller engine lid than the previous Barndoors , and a rear hatch hinged at the bottom, which allowed stretchers to be loaded into the interior of the bus . The gas tank and spare tire were moved in order to accomodate the rear hatch.

English · machine-assisted draft

An engine that circulates liquid coolant through passages and a radiator to carry heat away. Gerry’s Vanagon spark-plug reference lists DH water-cooled engines with Digijet for 1983–1985 and MV engines with Digifant for 1986–1991. Verify engine code, market, and model year; this archived table is an identification aid, not a complete application chart.

• engine
• water-cooled

English · source definition

Vehicle Identification Number. This is a number that uniquely identifies your vehicle. It is usually located in several locations on the vehicle, the most common being under the windscreen just forward of the driver (and intended to be viewed from the outside of the bus.) You'll also find the VIN on the frame rail under the van near the front edge of the sliding door. Also see: Table for interpretting the Vanagon VIN

English · source definition

An accessory package originally available on the Vanagon that bridged the gap between the passenger van and the camping-oriented Westfalia model. With the included rear bench that folded into a double-bed, fold-out table, and privacy curtains, an owner could easily move seven people during the week and provide sleeping space for two on the weekends. This idea and name have just been reintroduced as a model of the revamped Eurovan called the MV Weekender .