The Vanagon Dictionary

English · source definition

Any Volkswagen Transporter from 1980-1991, distinguished by squarer body contours and extremely large windows and windshield. Also known as T3 Transporters , or Caravelle.

English · machine-assisted draft

A device or mechanism that generates a vacuum, used for various purposes such as bleeding the cooling system.

• vacuum
• source

English · machine-assisted draft

In Gerry’s preserved terminology FAQ, “generation” groups Transporters by body series: T1 (1949–1967), T2 (1968–1979), T3 (1980–1991; called Vanagon in North America), and T4 (1992 onward in that FAQ). In Gerry’s September 2008 “lowered and chopped Vanagon” exchange, contributors identify the same T3 generation as Vanagon in North America and T25 in the UK; replies disagree over whether “T25” is proper usage. The name therefore depends on regional convention and is not a precise model-year identifier. These are historical ranges and naming conventions; verify market and model year.

• generation
• model

English · machine-assisted draft

A ring-shaped component that provides a seal between two parts, such as the cylinder head and engine block

• sealing
• ring

English · machine-assisted draft

Gaps between the piston rings, which must be offset to prevent oil from entering the combustion chamber

• engine
• piston

English · machine-assisted draft

The component that regulates airflow into the engine and the switches that monitor throttle position

• throttle
• switches

English · machine-assisted draft

Gaskets used to seal connection between cylinder head and exhaust manifold

• engine
• exhaust

English · machine-assisted draft

A type of seat belt that provides three points of contact with the body

• seat
• belt
• safety

English · machine-assisted draft

A cap that covers and protects the front shock absorber from dust and debris

• suspension
• dust
• cap

English · source definition

Department of Transportation. an agency of the U.S. Federal Government that has authority over some aspects of auto- mobile construction, especially in the safety-related areas.

English · machine-assisted draft

A protective cover for the positive terminal of a generator or alternator

• generator
• alternator
• terminal

English · source definition

A type of front windshield that tilts outward for additional ventilation. found only on Microbuses , and usually only on on those in equatorial/tropic countries.

English · machine-assisted draft

A switch that signals the engine computer when the throttle is in the idle or full throttle position

• engine
• throttle

English · machine-assisted draft

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

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 · source definition

Upper mid-range model of the bus with nicer interior components than the Kombi , but without the extra trappings of the Deluxe model. Standards have headliners, while Kombis and Panels did not.

English · source definition

An RV manufacturer chosen by VW to convert basic EuroVans into full camper units for sale within the United States. Winnebago also manufactures the Rialta from the standard EuroVan body.

English · source definition

The engine used in the water-cooled Vanagon. The term 'Wasser' is german for 'water'. 'boxer' refers to the flat opposing piston structure of the engine (i.e., the pistons are boxing with each other.)

English · source definition

A camper's rear bench seat that folds or rearranges to form the lower sleeping surface. The conversion mechanism and dimensions depend on the interior layout.

• camper
• bed
• interior

English · source definition

The exterior electrical inlet used to connect an equipped camper to campsite alternating-current power. Wiring, voltage, current rating, and supported appliances vary by market and model year.

• camper
• electrical
• exterior

English · source definition

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.

English · source definition

A model of bus that had a flat load bed with no fixed roof over the rear half of the vehicle. Optional canvas tents were available to cover the rear flat bed area. (See Single-cab and Double-cab .)

English · source definition

Any Volkswagen Transporter of any model and any year. Specifically those VW Transporters from 1968 to 1979, distinquished by a large one-piece windshield and rounded body contours. all had double-jointed independent rear suspension. also called T2 Transporter .

English · source definition

A form of fuel injection found on VW Vanagons / Transporters from 1986 and later. A later variation of Digijet . Also reported to be a slightly less complicated version of the Bosch Motronic fuel injection used on BMW's and Porsches.