The Vanagon Dictionary

English · source definition

Another name for camper versions of the VW Transporter . For whatever reasons, this term seems to have been dropped for the Vanagons , except in Canada.

English · source definition

( Automotive Services Inc. ) A U.S.-based camper conversion company out of Washington state. Manufactured a Vanagon camper conversion called the Riviera with a straight-up pop-top.

English · machine-assisted draft

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

English · source definition

A form of fuel injection found on VW Vanagon / Transporters from 1983.5 to 1985. characterized by a digital 'map' of the 'proper' fuel quantity vs engine rpm and temperature.

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 .

English · source definition

Any of Volkswagen smaller trucks and vans. known as Type 2 , they evolved through four (4) 'generations': T1 , T2 , T3 , and T4 , but the entire line of vehicles has always been called ' Type 2 '.

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

The camper interior cabinet assembly built around the sink and its water fittings. In some Vanagon Westfalia layouts it also contains or adjoins the refrigerator, storage, and electrical controls.

• camper
• interior
• kitchen

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.

English · source definition

A removable or swiveling table fitted to a camper dining area. The 1983 Vanagon Westfalia manual describes separate passenger-compartment and cab tables; mountings and storage differ across camper layouts.

• camper
• interior
• furniture

English · source definition

A small radiator that transfers heat from engine coolant to air for the cabin heating system. Vanagons may have front and additional rear heat exchangers, depending on equipment and market.

• engine
• water-cooled
• heating

English · source definition

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

English · source definition

The front-mounted heat exchanger in a water-cooled Vanagon's engine-coolant circuit. It releases heat from circulating coolant to outside air. Air-cooled Type 2 buses do not use an engine-coolant radiator.

• engine
• water-cooled
• cooling

English · source definition

The belt-driven pump that circulates engine coolant through the water-cooled Vanagon engine and cooling circuit. It is different from the small electric pump used to deliver water to a camper sink.

• engine
• water-cooled
• cooling

English · source definition

( Constant Velocity Joint ) One of the small circular devices at an end of an axle on a bus . Buses , Vanagons , and EuroVans have four of these, while the Syncro Vanagons have a total of eight. These are necessary to allow the axle to move up and down while still turning to propel the car. the joints need to be keep greased to function properly. when they are worn, they make a knocking-noise that strikes fear into the hearts of bus owners everywhere. Microbuses do not have CV joints, but use a 'swing-axle' and reduction gear box instead.

English · source definition

A heat exchanger that removes heat from engine oil. Air-cooled Type 2 engines use an oil cooler in the engine cooling assembly; design and mounting vary by engine. It is distinct from a Vanagon coolant radiator.

• engine
• air-cooled
• cooling

English · source definition

A hinged roof section that raises above a camper van to create extra headroom and, when equipped, access to an upper sleeping area. Roof construction, latches, and bed equipment vary among VW Bus and camper conversions.

• camper
• roof
• westfalia

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 · 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

The 12-volt battery supply used for camper electrical loads such as interior lighting, the water pump, and controls on the documented Vanagon Westfalia. Whether a particular vehicle has a separate auxiliary battery depends on its model and later modifications.

• camper
• electrical
• battery

English · source definition

The housing around the engine cooling fan that directs airflow across the cylinders and cylinder heads on an air-cooled VW engine. Type 2 shrouds differ by engine and model year; this term does not describe the liquid-coolant radiator used on water-cooled Vanagons.

• engine
• air-cooled
• cooling

English · source definition

The four-wheel drive version of the Vanagon , made between 1986 and 1991. using a viscous coupling arrangement, the front wheels could be made to automatically provide pulling power (at any time the rear wheels began to slip or spin). This term also applies to the four-wheel drive EuroVans , which are unfortunately not imported into the United States.

English · source definition

Anti-Locking Braking System. a computerized method of helping to prevent wheel skid/lock-up during braking. it does not prevent spins, nor does it allow you to stop in a shorter distance. it does allow you to steer the car while braking as hard as possible. available as an option on some Vanagons and EuroVans in Europe during the late 1980's-1990's.