NOTE: the following text and photos are excerpted from the 1983 Camper “Supplement to Volkswagen Vanagon Owner’s Manual.” For more info on operating the water system and sink see, “Using the Westfalia Kitchen Sink.”
Downloads
1980-1985 Vanagon Westfalia Campers: “Supplement to Volkswagen Vanagon Owner’s Manual”
1986-1990 Vanagon Westfalia Campers: “Supplement to Volkswagen Vanagon Owner’s Manual”
Sink Cabinet Cover
Before opening the lid cover, slide the driver’s seat forward to make room.
The left underside of the lid cover has a stainless steel heat shield/drain board. The heat shield can be unsnapped to cover the gas burners. While leaving the sink open for dish washing, the heat shield provides convenient drain board space.
In the Canadian version the heat shield cannot be unsnapped and used as a drainage board.
CAUTION
Do not put the heat shield over and open flame or a hot burner. Never attempt to use the heat shield as a hot plate or grille.
Water Supply
City Water connection
To provide you with the convenience of an ample water supply at campsite, a hose fitting B has been installed in the left side panel of the vehicle.
When city water is not available, you can carry your own supply in the built-in water tank, located in the storage chest between sink cabinet and clothes closet. The water tank can be filled from outside through the lockable filler cap A installed in the left side panel of the vehicle.
Tank capacity is 13.2 US gal. or 50 liters.
Remember that any weight carried affects fuel economy. Consider filling your water tank shortly before you reach the campsite and not at home.
Water pump switch
The electric water pump is immersed inside the water tank. After filling the water tank, and the green indicator light in the control panel comes on, activate the water pump by turning th switch knob on top of the faucet to the left; in direction T (Tank). Turn the knob several times in 10-second intervals to bleed the hose until water runs into the sink.
NOTE: When the city water hose connection has been made, turn the water pump switch knob on top of the faucet in direction C (City).
The water pump and all lights in the control panel can be turned on or off with switch G. The left column indicates how much water is left in the tank. The right light column indicates the condition of the battery explained on page 12.
(C) Green: 13.2-10.5 US gallons (50-40 liters)
(D) Yellow: 10.5-4.0 US gallons (40-15 liters)
(E) Red: 4.0-0.8 US gallons (15-3 liters)
Water Tank Filling
To unlock the filler hose stopper, turn the key clockwise on quarter of a turn and pull stopper out.
To lock the filler hose opening, insert stopper, turn key counter-clockwise one quarter of a turn and remove key.
The water tank vent pipe opening is located above the filler hose stopper.
The protective cover should not be removed, nor must the vent pipe opening be closed off.
Water Drainage
The sink pipe drain extends through the underbody of the vehicle to an opening aft of the left front wheel. The drain pipe opening has a screw-on plastic cap. Remember to remove the cap before using the sink, and always replace the cap securely when the sink is not in use.
Water from the sink drains onto the ground. Therefore, be mindful where you drain the sink water.
The drain plug for the water tank is located under the vehicle in front of the left rear wheel. Always replace the screw-on cap securely after cleaning the water tank.
When danger of frost exists, make sure water is not left in the city water connection. Press screwdriver into the valve opening until water is drained.
Water tank
We recommend you drain the water tank after every trip.
Tilt up storage chest lid.
Unscrew the cover shield and remove the plastic stopper A.
Unscrew the drain plug to empty the tank. Close the drain plug but leave the stopper open to allow the tank to air out. Should there be an odor, flush the tank with a solution of baking soda and water. Rinse the tank thoroughly with clear water and allow it to dry.
