Technical Articles & essays
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An overview of buying a used Vanagon.
An excellent guide to buying a used bus. Applies primarily to air-cooled busses, but much off this also applies to Vanagons and EuroVans.
Importing a Vehicle into the United States
Information on the process of importing a vehicle into the United States.
A technical discussion of coolants and corrosion written by Gregory T. Fieldson. Interesting reading.
A Gearheads View of Wasserboxer Head Replacement
A detailed walk-through of head replacement written by Bob Donalds of Boston Engine.
Do you have a problem with your oil pressure light coming on when idling under 2000 RPM? This article attempts to explain what's happening...
Water boxer low oil pressure at warm idle?
Yet another look at this common problem by Bob Donalds of Boston Engine.
More than you probably want to know about tires for your van. Includes recommended tires for the Vanagon and EuroVan.
Adding a second battery and charging system
A description of the electrical system in Beethoven, my 1990 Vanagon Westfalia camper. Features a 52 amp hour second battery under the drivers seat and a 1.5 amp trickle charger which feeds the battery when the van is plugged into a 120 volt power supply.
Adding a headlight switch relay
The stock Vanagon headlight switch works for the stock headlights, but if you wish to add more powerful lights, or just get a little more juice to the ones you have, this article tells you how to use relays to minimize current flowing through the stock switch.
Adding a passenger grab handle
Instructions on adding a grab handle on the passengers' side, as well as some warnings about what can go wrong.
Peter Buettner tests a $70 add-on air suspension system, and finds that it improves the ride on both 2WD and 4WD Vanagons.
Suburu vs. Golf engine replacements
David Marshall compares two popular replacement engines for the Vanagon.
Various things that you should know so that you don't cause damage to your van.
How to interpret a Vanagon's VIN code
The meaning of the VIN code for 1981-1991 Vanagons, as well as an address where you can write for more information on your van, such as the date it rolled off the assembly line.
Do you really understand them? This article tells all.
Syncro viscous coupling & differential lock FAQ
A discussion of the syncro system and how it works written by certified SyncroHead Jim Davis.
How to make your Westfalia pop-top look as good as new.
The Grandaddy of reefer manuals. Pretty technical, but a LOT of useful information. Derek Drew is known for his meticulous research, and it shows here.
The second installment of the Grandaddy of reefer manuals
A nuts & bolts description of problems and solutions with the propane operation of the Dometic fridge in your Westy.
How to get your Westy's fridge lit, and some other tips on efficient usage.
In Adobe Acrobat format. Courtesy of David Beierl
