The Vanagon Dictionary

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 · machine-assisted draft

Westfalia is a camper-conversion brand, not a Transporter generation. Gerry’s preserved FAQ describes Westfalia as one of several companies that converted VW Transporters and says it was generally the camper version imported and sold through Volkswagen dealers in the United States at that time. Roof, interior, and equipment depend on the specific vehicle and year.

• westfalia
• camper

English · machine-assisted draft

A ring that fits around a piston to seal the gap between the piston and cylinder

• engine
• piston

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 kit for the cabin door handle, including a black handle and a key

• door
• handle
• vanagon

English · machine-assisted draft

a type of clutch cover that uses a diaphragm to engage and disengage the clutch

• clutch
• cover

English · machine-assisted draft

A type of seat belt that retracts and has three points of attachment

• safety
• interior

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

A type of filter that allows oil to bypass the main filter and flow directly to the engine.

• oil
• filter
• engine

English · machine-assisted draft

Gaskets used to seal connection between cylinder head and exhaust manifold

• engine
• exhaust

English · machine-assisted draft

A flat, round plate that rotates with the wheel and is squeezed by the brake pads to slow the vehicle

• brakes
• disc

English · machine-assisted draft

A device in the front differential of a Syncro that provides the switching action between the rear diff/wheels and the front.

• syncro
• viscus

English · machine-assisted draft

Reflective surface for visibility

• interior
• components

English · machine-assisted draft

Practice of lowering the roof on the body of the vehicle by cutting portions of the frame and door frames

• chop-top
• custom

English · machine-assisted draft

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

• screwdriver
• tool
• pry

English · machine-assisted draft

A type of sealant used to fill gaps between the rubber gasket and the body

• sealant
• adhesive

English · machine-assisted draft

A type of seat belt that does not retract and has three points of attachment

• safety
• interior

English · machine-assisted draft

A rod connecting the piston to the crankshaft, allowing the piston to move freely up and down in the cylinder.

• engine
• piston
• crankshaft

English · machine-assisted draft

Centrifugal advance only distributor

• distributor
• centrifugal

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 · 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

System designed to reduce the risk of injury in rear-end collisions by coordinating deceleration of the torso and head.

• safety
• comfort

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 type of threadlocker adhesive

• adhesive
• thread