'83 Vanagon - Any Tips ?

Question

Just bought an '83 Vanagon - Gas, watercooled, 4-speed, 220 K miles, $1,200. Needs a waterpump ($80 plus 2-1/2 hrs) but aside from that, it appears to need only the normal nickel-and-dime items that one would expect on any 20+ year old vehicle.

I'm experienced with Golfs, Jettas, old Dashers and Rabbits, and various Audis but I'm TOTALLY new to Vanagons - Heck, I didn't even know they made watercooled gas ones, I thought they were aircooled. Is there anything I should pay PARTICULARLY close attention to on these ?

Thanks for any advice.

- FM -

Lost again · Accepted Answer

Only tip I got is sell it while it runs!

hayseed · Answer

Get a factory shop manual. Read and follow the directions for refilling the coolant system.This was VW's first attempt at a water boxer and it shows.Brought Vanagan new in 1984  and had to replace water pump, head gaskets and  computer before 20K miles.After that, things settled down to a routine of replacing exhaust support struts every once in a while,crying over paying $8.00 for dash lamps, and enjoying the feeling that I would never get a speeding ticket.

hayseed · Answer

Get a factory shop manual. Read and follow the directions for refilling the coolant system.This was VW's first attempt at a water boxer and it shows.Brought Vanagan new in 1984  and had to replace water pump, head gaskets and  computer before 20K miles.After that, things settled down to a routine of replacing exhaust support struts every once in a while,crying over paying $8.00 for dash lamps, and enjoying the feeling that I would never get a speeding ticket.

SWP · Answer

Get a Check list from  and go through your van..Buy a Bentley Manual too..Find a Parts shop close to your house!

Fred Mau · Answer

I don't yet have the Bentley manual - got one on order - but I found detailed instructions on the web for refilling the coolant. Found a local parts house that had the water pump in stock - Halsey Imports in Portland OR - I'm changing it today.

I've seen a lot said about the head gasket failures on these. I'm crossing my fingers that with 20+ years and 200+ K miles on this, it's already been addressed. A preliminary compression check looked okay but I haven't yet done a more accurate leakdown test or cooling system pressure test.

- FM -

none2u · Answer

Yea, when you need an exhaust . Its 2000 bucks dealer. Get a parts place for all VWs catalog . they have a couple of different setups you can get that are way cheaper. From $700 and up I believe.   You never said if it was rotted or not. I hope not. At least Its not a diesel. Pay attention to getting on the freeway fast enough, so you don't get rear ended. And don't let the hatch fall on you head when your loading something. it hurts bad. And pay attention to the guy posted before me said sell it while it runs too.

'83 Vanagon - Any Tips ?

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