The Vanagon Dictionary

English · source definition

Liters per 100 Kilometers. a measurement of fuel economy in the metric system. note that this is exactly backwards from the American system of miles/gallon. the metric measurement denotes the amount of fuel required to go a certain distance roughly, 10 L/100km = 23.5 mpg.

English · source definition

Winnebago converts some EuroVans into mini-motorhomes, by adding Winnebago's own body (aft of the front doors) that's about 20"-24" wider than the normal EuroVan. Inside they install sink, stove, refridgerator, toilet, bed, & cabinets. The Rialta is sold through Winnebago's own network of RV dealers.

English · source definition

Exhaust Gas Recirculation. One of the emission control techniques, in which gases are sucked from the exhaust pipes (before the muffler) and re-circulated through the intake manifold (to be 'burned' again). the high heat associated with exhaust gases required expensive metals ... so replacing/repairing this system can be costly.

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 · source definition

A model of bus that contained interior features such as a bed, stove, cabinets, and in some versions, a refrigerator. some versions had a pop-up roof to allow extra room, ventilation, and sleeping room 'upstairs'. Some of the many companies making campers are Westfalia , Winnebago , Devon , Country Homes, Dormobile , and TRAKKA .

English · source definition

Generally accepted to mean a mid-range trim model of a Volkswagen Transporter . That is, not a utility/commercial truck, and yet not a Deluxe model with all the bells and whistles of luxury and convenience. usually, a Kombi has windows along the side, seats, and some side paneling. Kombis also had fibreboard overhead instead of a headliner.

English · source definition

Any Volkswagen Transporter from 1949 to 1967, characterized by a split (two-piece) windshield and rounded body contours. all were powered by beetle Type 1 engines and all had 'reduction gears' on the half-axles. known also as T1 Transporters . This term is also used by VW SA for the present 5 Cyl. (Vanagon-style) van without exclusive options.

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

Wolfsburg Editions are models with a higher level of trim, and are probably intended to stimulate sales late in the model year. In addition trim upgrades, they usually include some options without any extra charge (power mirrors, power door locks, and power windows, etc.) The true Weekender is usually also offered as a Wolfsburg Ed. (It's believed that the Westy Weekender only came as a Wolfsburg Edition.)

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

(Technischer Überwachungs Verein) An agency of the German Federal Government. sort of a combination of DOT and EPA , as well as being responsible for inspecting cars every few years. They very thoroughly checks the car's safety features (breaks, body rust, steering). Older cars often fail, so they head for Eastern Europe, while Germany is left with only spic-and-span cars. Some people believe there is a collusion with car manufacturers to increase turnover.

English · machine-assisted draft

Community name for Volkswagen’s water-cooled, horizontally opposed four-cylinder engine family used in Vanagons. Gerry’s technical index covers 1.9 L and 2.1 L versions and year-specific service topics. A January 2004 archive thread describes an owner’s 1983 1.9 L Waterboxer running roughly when cold but normally after warming up; it records the symptom and discussion, not a universal cause or fix. Identify the engine code and model year before using parts or service information.

• engine
• water-cooled

English · machine-assisted draft

An engine that rejects heat directly to moving air rather than circulating liquid coolant. Gerry’s spark-plug reference separates bus applications by engine code and period: ED/GD/GE for 1975–1979 and CV for 1980–1983, including California models. A May 2002 Gerry discussion titled “83 Air Cooled - Production dates” concerns an owner’s September 1983 Westfalia and the difficulty of finding comparable 1983 examples; it is a period-specific production question, not a universal fitment chart.

• engine
• air-cooled

English · machine-assisted draft

In Gerry’s preserved FAQ alignment article, “Camper model” refers to the heavier Vanagon Syncro camper configuration, with separate alignment values from lighter non-camper vehicles. A Gerry discussion on 15 October 2003 about the “official” Syncro alignment specs quotes the chart for 1986–1991 Syncro campers with dual batteries up front; a 1999 thread separately asks about an almost-empty 1986 Syncro. These historical sources show why the exact load and configuration matter, not a current alignment specification. Use service data for the specific vehicle.

• model
• variant