newb questions

[redlinedave]

I just got a Country Homes Camper
1985 and I have some ?'s

1 how do I tell the engine size?
2 Is it a "California model" so more emission stuff
than normal?
3 It has a single wire O2 sensor but I found a black wire with a 3 pin connecter
that looks like it could be an O2 connecter. It comes from the right front of engine and reaches over to were the O2 sensor is. Would a 1985 have a heated O2 sensor?

I have a bently on order but cant wait.
My gas mileage is very poor about 12 mpg
Ive been searching around but can not find anything on this site.
The previous owner has cut the shielded wire that goes to O2 . On a stock van is the O2 wire a double shielded green wire?

4 What weight oil do most people use? Ive searched and Im more confused. Seams 5w40 or 10 w 40 and 20w50 is most popular.

5 What plugs go in? cant seam to find Boche WR7cc?

cheers

[Ahwahnee]

1. Should be a 1.9l but you could post a photo and find out for (almost) sure).

2. Has a different fuel filter & filter location. Don't know off hand what other differences you need be aware of.

3. I believe it would have originally had a 1-wire O2. There is often an unused diagnostic plug floating around in the engine bay... possibly that is what you found.

4. I use 20W50 in Arizona... there is by no means a concensus on what is best.

5. I use the NGK BP6ET triple electrode based on a favorable review here from a knowledgeable Sambista.

Yes, the O2 wire should be shielded (green) and care be taken that the center wire is not shorted to ground. That latter condition will cause the engine to run stink rich and yield about 12 mpg... hmmmm.

[seanjenn]

Definately get the O2 sensor issue resolved, that shielded wire is supposed to go to the sensor. That's probably a big part of your MPG issues.

For oil I've been running Rotella T6 Synthetic 5W40(really good and inexpensive), I've also used Mobil 1 Turbo Diesel, Castrol Turbo Diesel, and my favorite is Schaefer, by far.
Unfortunately Schaefer ain't always easy to come by, you can't just drop by any old parts house pick some up. Usually have to find a performance oriented stor/shop.

I go for the NGK BP6ET plugs as well. To me they have a bit crisper throttle response and help the van hold it's own a bit better on the big hills.
ALL of my other ignition components are Bosch. My particular van seems to like this combo, so that's what I use.

Not sure about what differences there are between the Cali models, besides a different diameter fuel filler neck and a different catalytic converter.
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1987 GL Sunroof
2.1 4 spd

[16CVs]

If your mileage is that bad ,I would start by cleaning all of the engine grounds . Clean on the engine and the chassis side .
And if you just bought it ,and do not know when the fuel lines were changed ,then change them ,sooner then later . The fuel lines would be the first thing I'd fix or at least check on .
I agree ,1985 would be a 1.9 L engine . The easiest way to tell ,if the Distributor has a Vacuum can on it ,then it is most likely a 1.9 .To confirm ,look and see if it has an oil cooler on it .It is an aluminum can which fits between the case and the oil filter .
Get your Bentley ,and get your self familiar with all of its systems . I also have a Pro Training manual ,which gives you a complete flow chart for tuning . In its original form it covers AFC,Digijet,Digifant . There are some pirates who have printed them to cover each different system .

Stacy
_________________
1987 Syncro Westfalia Triple knob (bastard)
1989 Syncro Tristar Triple knob "Swedish"
2013 Jetta Hybrid a true "Zwitter"
Samba member # 14980
Call anytime number 650 722 4914 .
Keep Your van running and upkept tastefully for the love of the hobby.
Don't let your van end up in an "abortions" thread.

[vandam]

Welcome to vanagon school. Now that you own one you are going to learn everything about vanagons. The bentley is your friend. I would check for exhaust and intake leaks, just because its older and people switch things around and for sure get that o2 hooked up. look at the green or white box to the left of the engine that should b hooked up to, if not your running in limp mode.
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84 GL, 2.1 rebuilt

[peaceful warrior]

Time to slow down, wait for the Bentley, go through the diagnostics of each system. Fuel, ignition, electronics, and do not forget to check out the CC for clogging. Don't throw parts at it, unless they are needed. As mention, replace all of the soft fuel hoses.
It will pay off in the future, rather then asking random questions....get to know your Vanagon!
_________________
"Two things are infinite: The universe and human stupidity; and I'm not sure about the universe." Albert Einstein
"Notchboy" says "Man up!"
"Tram" says " My bus is bigger than your bus."
66 13W Deluxe, 68 Westfalia, 87 Syncro.
TOOB Member #15
Brian

[redlinedave]

Vacuum can on dist,I didnt see a box by oil filter though

[redlinedave]

engine pic

IMG_1288.JPG

[peaceful warrior]

[redlinedave]

[redlinedave]

What is this for?

[geo_tonz]

Peaceful Warrior said it all. Wait for the damn Bentley, then actually read it! Kudos for actually ordering one. Each van should have one chained to it like a phone book. So many "Newb" questions on here can be answered by the Bentley in less time it takes to log on to the forum. Not to take away from the great info I've gleaned from this forum by any means.

I'm a relative Vanagon newb too but from all the parts I've bought the Bentley was the best value and has saved money in short order.
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"Ron Burgundy": 1991 Vanagon Multivan (Weekender) 2.1L Auto - Driver/Camper

[Ahwahnee]

[Colonel_Brown]

That plug looks kind of like what connects into the idle stablizer for the 1.9L. But the edges seem a bit more rounded on yours.

Check if there is female plug hanging around they can both plug into each other but should generally be plugged into that little box on the side of the firewall. I think I see it behind the fuse box in your picture. Do you already have two plugs in there?

I normally let the experts give oil advice but since you live nearby here's my experience in our climate.
I generally run 10w40 and it works well for most of the year. 5w40 might be best in January/February if you plan to use the van at that time of year. I've tried 20w50 in July and it was great and the engine seemed to run cooler but by the end of August it gave me a lower than normal engine idle when cold and it would stall right after starting sometimes.
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'84 Vanagon GL (1.9L) - "Colonel Brown"