The Vanagon Dictionary

Idle speed, the speed of an engine when it is not under load

• idle
• speed

Dreaded Previous Owner (the sorry so-and-so who owned and mistreated YOUR bus before you bought it).

A device that connects or disconnects a circuit to isolate it from other circuits

• electrical
• relay
• solenoid

the ability of a vehicle's body to resist deformation and maintain its shape

• safety
• comfort

The speed at which the engine runs when it is idling

• engine
• maintenance

Bearing that supports the crankshaft in an engine, guiding it during rotation

• engine
• crankshaft

Subjective term referring to the complete return of a Volkswagen to its original condition

• restoration
• original
• condition

Components that support the engine and connect it to the vehicle's frame.

• engine
• mounts

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

Type of nut that locks itself in place to prevent loosening

• fasteners
• hardware

Gear that drives the distributor in an engine, synchronizing it with the crankshaft

• engine
• distributor

Catalytic Converter. a large, usually round cannister in the exhaust system. it helps convert emission gases into more harmless, less noxious vapors.

A type of fastener used to secure wires, hoses, or other items.

• fastener
• tie
• wire

Fahrvergnügen is a made-up German word meaning 'pleasure of driving', and Volkswagen marketting claims it can only be experienced in a VW automobile.

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

• wire
• fastener
• hold

Volkswagen’s electronic fuel-injection and engine-management system used in North American Vanagons from 1986 onward according to Gerry’s terminology FAQ. The archived FAQ distinguishes it from Digijet, which it associates with 1983.5–1985 Vanagons; Gerry’s technical bulletin index also lists Digifant topics for 1986–1991 models. Verify year, engine, and market before using system-specific parts or procedures.

• engine
• management

A sealed or low-maintenance lead-acid battery design intended to reduce routine electrolyte checks; its condition, terminals, and charge may still need inspection.

• battery
• design

The German nickname for the original VW buses . loosely translated, it means "work horse" or "oxen" (some sort of strong animal used for pulling heavy loads).

Any Volkswagen Transporter . Since the Beetle was the first car produced by VW, it became known within the company as the Type 1. The bus or transporter was the second type of vehicle produced, so it became known as the Type 2. The Squareback/Fastback was the Type 3, and the 411/412 was the Type 4 (which had the same engine as the 1972-1982 Type 2's ( buses ).

In a Syncro drivetrain, a driveshaft decoupler disconnects the prop shaft so the front axle is no longer driven through it; it is not the front differential lock. A Gerry discussion on 16 May 2004 compares the original non-viscous-coupling layout, which used a driveshaft decoupler, with viscous-coupling Syncros while debating front-lock behavior. The thread is historical community discussion, not a retrofit procedure; identify the drivetrain configuration before interpreting parts or controls.

• vw
• syncro
• drivetrain

The first generation of Transporters , from 1949-1967. Note that this is not Type 1, but just T1 (for Transporter 1 ). Strictly speaking, it should be Type 2 , T1 . Known as the Station Wagon or Microbus .

A temperature-responsive valve in a water-cooled engine's coolant circuit. It regulates coolant flow as the engine warms; the correct part and installation are engine-specific.

• engine
• water-cooled
• cooling

Air Flow Meter. the silver box next to the air cleaner box on the fuel injection model buses . it measured the volume of air entering the intake system, and allowed the computer to adjust the amount of gasoline required.

A refrigerator installed as part of a camper interior. The documented Vanagon Westfalia appliance supports gas and electric operation; exact power sources and operating requirements depend on the refrigerator model and its manual.

• camper
• appliance
• electrical