TheSamba.com :: View topic

Sat Jan 11, 2003 2:32 pm

My husband and I just went through a NIGHMARE this morning. We sold our bus on ebay for 3,000, and a man drove 6 hours to pick it up. Right before he got here, my husband changed the oil, drove down the street to fill it up with gas for the new owner, and it made some awful noise and totally STOPPED and died before he got to the gas station. So, the man got here, was very nice (luckily), and left empty-handed....us with no $ and a bad problem. What does this sound like to anyone? It had a rebuilt engine put in less than a year ago. He thinks he did something wrong when he changed the oil....could it be? Furthermore, we live in Nashville and have no knowledge of where to take it. Any ideas?? HELP!

Sat Jan 11, 2003 3:44 pm

Had your Husband ever changed the oil before?

On the type2/4 engine the nut that holds the drain plate/oil strainer screen in place is the "achilles heel" of that engine design. Unless you know about it, you can "F-UP" and overtighten it... which in effect breaks a part of the oil pickup tube/and case off inside the case... the end result is exactly what you describe.
I sure hope I am wrong but it wouldn't be the first time this has happened...
Or it could have just been time and the "rebuild" you got was not all it was supposed to be. Either way doesn't sound too good a way to start the New Year...
Maybe someone knows a person and or shop in your area to have it looked at, Good Luck

Sat Jan 11, 2003 4:16 pm

Damn that's horrible. Let us know what happened when you find out!

Sat Jan 11, 2003 4:21 pm

Yep, sounds like keifernet may be right. That bolt cant be tightened over nine foot lbs or it causes damage to the cam.

Sun Jan 12, 2003 12:10 pm

The guy was VERY nice about it when he arrived...thank GOD. Next step would just be to find a good mechanic in Nashville....no luck yet. THANKS SO MUCH for the suggestions...husband is going to look into that this afternoon.

Sun Jan 12, 2003 1:42 pm

Yeah must be a nice guy to drive all that way and find out the Van was kaputski... Must have had similar things happen to him in his life.
As I inquired if your husband diddn't realize the toruqe on that plate nut was so low he could have very easily (and by complete accident) tightened it too much.
That's one thing I never understood why VW would even put a screen and plate on the engine when they added a nice spin on oil filter to it. Also notice that it has a "drain plug" on the case anyway... some people go several oil/ filter changes before cleaning the screen and plate.
I would darin the oil again and take the plate off again and look for any signs of metal chunks and see if the metal oil pickup tube piece "wiggles" or feels loose by hand. if it does or there is any debris thatn the horse is out of the barn and likey the engine is damaged... How unfortunant if that is the case. I am sorry. I wish I were closer I would try and help you out

Sun Jan 12, 2003 1:44 pm

oopps drain and unfortunate.... damn spell check police! LOL!