Vanagon Knowledge Base

You asked and we answered! Literally. Welcome to the library of our most frequent questions. If you don't see a topic you want to know about, please let us know as we are sure you are not the only one and we love to be helpful.

  • One of the most common themes of our website questions relate to running problems. There is version A - "Where I live they have never seen a Vanagon and although I trust my mechanic, I don't think he knows what he is doing" or version B "Where I live...continue reading
  • For the 8691V ECU Monitor System to work for you effectively, it is important that your engine be tuned to it's best possible running condition. Spark plugs, spark plug wires, distributor cap and rotor should first be replaced. All basic engine adjustments...continue reading
  • The Digifant electronic control unit incorporates all the functions of the fuel system and ignition system and provides both the actuation signal for the fuel injectors and optimum ignition timing point for all engine operating conditions...continue reading
  • You're happily cruising along in your Vanagon, music playing, engine humming, sweetheart smiling, dog with his head out the window and ears flapping."Bliss," you think, "does it get any better than this?" Then it happens: the oil pressure idiot light starts blinking and the buzzer goes off. Your heart leaps to your throat. Did you just throw a rod? Burn a main bearing? Hit a big rock that punched a hole in the case? continue reading
  • In case you are considering purchasing our Electrical Diagnostic Tool in an attempt to troubleshoot a running issue, we have included a copy of the Tool's manual in PDF form...continue reading
  • Below you'll find a full list of paint codes for your Vanagon sourced from www.thesamba.com. (Big props to user kamzcab86 for her work on this list!) Keep in mind that the original paint might have faded, oxidized or be sun bleached so, though you may have a reputable company provide ...continue reading
  • Q: How do I deal with my door weatherstripping - the whistling noise drives me crazy while I am cruising down the freeway? A: There are a few variables. There are multiple seals and there are vehicles with chrome trim strips and vehicles without them. Here we will try to map out ...continue reading
  • Smelling fuel from your Vanagon when you're refueling? Perhaps you were parked on a slope and returned to see a spreading puddle of gasoline under your van? Uh-oh...Time to do that fuel tank reseal you've been putting off! Our Vanagons have a relatively complex fuel storage system...continue reading
  • The lowest stock Vanagon production springs were on the Carat models, so some Vanagon owners seek used Carat springs to lower their vehicles. As a rule, Vanagons are 15 + years old and often with 150k or more miles,so you can't expect to find springs that aren't suffering from fatigue. This leaves us with H&R springs and Weitec springs...continue reading
  • This driveshaft is manufactured by a driveshaft specialist that has a state of the art facility. They make these exclusively for Van Cafe. Every shaft is balanced and goes through a quality control inspection...continue reading
  • Is your OXS dash indicator light illuminated? No need to panic! It's only a mileage-based service light telling you to replace your oxygen sensor. You see, German engineers (being both German and engineers) seemed to harbor doubts as to the longevity of the VW O2 sensors. Remember that this is way back in the dark ages in the days before vehicle on-board diagnostics (OBDI and OBD2)....continue reading
  • It is always best to fix your shift linkage before it gets too sloppy. The three areas of the linkage that need periodic service are the shifter base, the box under the shifter and the linkage parts back at the transmission...continue reading
  • The starter in a diesel1.6ltr is a high torque starter, to begin with, and there is no need to swap it out when doing the swap to 1.9Ltr AHU engine. In fact, the AHU should have less compression than...continue reading
  • The kit for the 80 thru 85 vans was sold with used uprights until we ran out of used ones. We then sold the kit without the uprights and made the customer search for a set. The reason why you had to switch the uprights was the bolt spacing...continue reading

If you're through reading, head back to the main Van Cafe Knowledge Base.