Long trip home.. need some help!

[Guest]

History Commands

[July 26, 2010, 01:36:19 PM] Jon74panel: I'm burning 2 quarts of oil every time I fill up, I dread going up hills because its just a cloud of smoke behind me, help!

[July 26, 2010, 01:37:35 PM] Jon74panel: does this say drive no futher? I am 1900km away from home, do I limp it home?

[July 26, 2010, 01:38:18 PM] Jon74panel: Location:tofino,BC Destination:Calgary,AB

[July 26, 2010, 01:44:07 PM] Jon74panel: there is a small pool oil on the fan. *scared

[July 27, 2010, 02:49:48 AM] Beetle: http://www.type2.com/ & click on 'AIRS' icon.

[July 27, 2010, 07:45:05 AM] Orange_crush: help! acceleration problem.  bus can only go 5mph on hills..picks up fine on flats and dwon hill.  single carb. 2000cc  motor

[July 27, 2010, 09:04:10 AM] addicted: hey any one on?

[July 27, 2010, 09:04:44 AM] addicted: got a question abdout my piont set heating up

[July 27, 2010, 09:29:38 AM] addicted: poof of smoke from the pionts and gf claims from the dash aswell

[July 27, 2010, 09:38:17 AM] Beetle: Addicted: Post in the forum for better results.

[July 27, 2010, 10:56:36 AM] blue bus: does anyone know how to take the handle off the slider door ao a 74 transporter

[Today at 09:29:31 AM] scoobz: need help adjusting electric choke on 72 type 2

[77busLOVE]

Hello everyone, im new here because I just saved up some money and bought my first Bus. She is a 1969 Westfalia Camper Bus. She starts and runs just needs a tune up. Here is were I need the help , she is located in Grants Pass Oregon, and im in Las Vegas Nevada. Im flying up there and driving here back. Im going to do a full tune up, new (Spark Plugs, Cap, Rotor, Condensor, Points) going to change the oil, and get here all new brakes. Im going to be driving back during the summer (this friday). Does anyone have any tips,tricks, or advice to get my pretty lady and I hame safe and in one peice? I was reading some things on overheating fires and it kinda scared me from driving home. Thanks so much!!!!
-Adam

[Recycle]

Tip: Stop by and see in Eugene! He will set you free!

Oh and   

[Happy]

I just did that a couple weeks ago with my first bus....but only a couple hundred miles.  From what I knew and know now: 
     1.) Feel that the fuel lines are soft but firm and not cracked at the connections. 
     2.) Use a screwdriver and tighten the clamps snug (I found one loose one on my bus AFTER I got home). 
     3.) The fuel filter should be located somewhere BEFORE the fuel pump and not AFTER the pump exposed to pressurized gas...seen that a few times. 

These folks on this board may have more as I am a newbie too.  Most of the bus is common sense.  If the engine smells hot when you gas up, take a break.   GOOD LUCK!

[77busLOVE]

Thank you so much!! Yes i was reading an earlyer post from you about getting ready for your trip. Made me feel better that someone else was taking a trip without knowing to much. Happy to hear you made it home safe. I will deffinatly look at all the fuel lines. If they are cracked or anything were can I get replacments fast? Thanks for all the help!!! Hope to hear some more responces before the big day friday morning i start the trip to oregon!

[Happy]

I think this is an example of a badly located fuel filter (see pic). 

I got fuel lines from advance auto.  I've not installed them yet.  I bought some 1/4 inch and some 3/8 inch but forgot a new filter.  I might just do that after work today. 

Have you read any of the John Muir book how to keep your VW alive???  It is over 450 pages of PURE GENIUS.  John speaks to you as if you were an idiot and I LOVE THAT!!!!  I'm fixing stuff left and right.  Amazon has it along with some other books.

[77busLOVE]

Hahah yes i love that to. Until I know everything about the engine I cant speak genus. haha Thanks for pictures! Where should the fuel filter be exactly? Hmm i hate sounding like a newb but its better than having her light on fire or something horrable. So how often did you stop and let her rest? What about going up and down hills? Speeds? Gears? Anything that will get me and my new baby home safe. Thanks again for your responces they really help!

[Wizzard]

1st gear-to 15MPH
2nd gear-to 30 MPH
3rd gear-to45 MPH
4th gear -cruise around 55-60 MPH
These are not speed demons . Downshift accordingly . Take a break ever couple of hours or so . Check your oil dip stick if it is too hot to handle give the old girl a break . Take along some basic tools . Check your fan belt . Take a couple of extra quarts of oil .
And if I think of anything else I will repost .
Welcome to the forums . Congratulations on your new bus . This is a love affair that can last a life time .
Kindest regards,

[VWBusboys]

Take a cell phone and AAA card.  Buy a fire extinquisher when you get there.

I've driven my buses for over 10 years with no fires, but it's always a good idea to be prepared. 

Remember that libraries have internet access.  Don't think twice about contacting this list if you get stuck.

Have fun!

Jacques

[Happy]

     Most times the fuel filter is located in the engine compartment somewhere in the fuel line as it enters through the fire wall to before the fuel pump.  Some super smart folks speak of putting it OUTSIDE the engine compartment where the gas line exits the tank...from what I have read some don't trust them getting hot and such near the engine.  

     As for my drive home I was scared the whole way.  She would not start under her own power and had to be rolled and popped into gear when I gassed up.  I drove 55 the whole way home.  Now Betty is very sure footed but some buses can tend to weave and wander at higher speeds so do what feels comfortable to you.  Don't let the @$$&**%$ tailgating you make you drive faster.  Just let'em pass.  And be sure to WAVE to those that honk...it usually means that they like your bus.  When I gassed up I checked the oil and rested a half hour or so.  As I have posted before, the dipstick was difficult (but not impossible) to touch right after stopping.  I think I just need thicker callouses.  There was no real enjoyment until I got home and cracked a beer and stared at Betty's beauty.  She got me home and I was proud of her and have been pampering her ever since.  Good luck again!

     I just did the fuel lines today I am proud to say.  I was so scared to touch them.  I came up with a great idea!!!!  My first job is working on my bus.  My day job is in Radiology and I "borrowed" a 60cc syringe and needle today.  After clamping the main end I stuck the needle into both lengths of fuel line and sucked out almost all the fuel in the system (about 40cc's).  I think most was in the fuel pump.  When I took the lines off there were no fountains of gas.  Now let me tell you:  I feel SO much safer with brand new fuel lines that were put in by ME and checked and rechecked for a secure fit.  Before you leave in that bus...with all the excitment:  Take a flat head screwdriver and be sure the clamps are snug.  A fire extinguisher is like a security blanket.  It's nice knowing it's there and if you need it...your bus will thank you .

[Dj:Eep]

Do you have something to check the timing with?  You'll want it at 7.5 degrees btdc with an 009, 0 TDC if it has the old vacuum one (look for a can on the dizzy with a line going to the carb).

One good test for a sign of possible imminent catastrophic failure is to grip the crankshaft pulley and jerk back and forth.  If there is more than a miniscule amount of play, as in you feel more than a slight ticking, if anything, then the bearings are on there way out.  A bit of play doesn't mean you shouldn't buy the bus, but it'll give you an idea of how much time/money to start putting aside for a rebuild. 

Also, on the underside of the intake manifold, just under the carb, you'll see two pipes about 5/8" that join there, originating from the left and right sides of the engine.  After the engine has run for a few minutes, feel this pipe.  Carefully though, they should be hot, near their origin they should be too hot touch.  If they are cool, you'll need a new intake, about $30 and an hour or two of work.

Downshift before you think you have to, and upshift after you think you should.  Much better to take a hill at 45 in 3rd than 50 in 4th, despite what your ears tell you.  These buses are noisy, so you'll think it'll explode at 25 in second, but it's fine, only about 3,600rpm.  That and the speedos in these things are notoriously optimistic. 

Get braided fuel line at any decent auto parts store.

You can PM me for my cell # if you think you may need some tech support along the way.  Or like said, you can stop by Eugene for a beer and a bus checkup.

[GostaBerling]

Bring along replacement valve cover gaskets and adjust those valves. If you don't feel comfortable doing it yourself then find a shop (a VW shop) and have them do it for you. If the bus needs a tune up you can bet that it's time to adjust those valves. Also might not be a bad idea to change the oil while your at it. Just remember do the valves when the engine is completely cold and the oil when it's warmed up.

Keep it slow, I wouldn't go over 55mph, and down shift early especially on steep grades. Don't be afraid of going slow, it sure beats having to walk home due to a dropped valve caused by overheating.

If you take all of the tools you own you will still undoubtedly not have the one you need. I would just buy a small basic tool kit from a parts store when you get there and hit the road. While you are at the store pick up some extra brake fluid, just in case, and be sure to inspect the inner parts of the wheel for any leaks along with the state the lines are in. As you will be going over and down some good grades you want to be sure the brakes are up to par.

Join the AIRS list, and print out the list of the states you are passing through. These people are willing to help any air cooled hobbyist in need. Heck some will even just let you crash at there house. http://www.type2.com/rescue/

Good luck, you will have memories to last a life time. and to LMB.



Darn it you beat me to some of that. oh well.

Hey when did you move to Eugene??? I thought you lived out in Cali somewhere???

[77busLOVE]

WOW!! You guys are awesome!! Thanks for all the help!! I love learning about her and how to work on her already! Much more fun than my car i have now. Fortunatly my Grandfather picked up my bus today and took it to his house in Oregon and he used to rebuild and work on Vws (specialist) so he is over looking it and doing all the mantenice work she needs right now.  So that makes me feel better!!! Reallly guys this is so cool of you to give me all this info and anything else you can think of would be awesome! Im looking at some tires and new parts on Busdepot.com are they pretty reliable on selling quality parts? I want to make sure im getting something that will last and not be autozones 9.99 special that will surely be broken in a week. Thanks again and thanks for the   

Peace!

[GostaBerling]

Busdepot is an excellent supplier, but be sure to call and order. I would avoid the online order form because, they do not phone or email you if there is a back order. If you pay for the rush shipping and the item is on backorder then you will not get it when you expect it.

As far as tires go, make sure they are at least 6 ply-C load rated, believe it or not these buses are designed to carry one ton of cargo.

[Dj:Eep]

Actually, most C rated tires are still under spec.  Get D or LT rated, 185R14, no middle number, if the tire shop tells you otherwise, go somewhere else until they don't.  At least 1640lb load, reinforced sidewall.  I'm running Hankook RA08's (about $80-90) on the Westy, and it handles like a dream.

[74surfrwagon]

First of all congrats!

I picked mine up near Portland and drove her home to Fresno.  YOU WILL LOVE FEMAILE DRIVERS IN OREGON....THEY DRIVE TOPLESS REALLY!  Nice state.

I never drove up a hill as slow as grants pass, I am pretty sure a squirell got to the top before I did.  I coasted down the other side to cool my jets before starting another assent.

Have fun and ENJOY the Cruise!