TheSamba.com :: View topic - Driving around the world

Fri May 04, 2012 12:18 pm

Hello everyone, I am going to be driving around the world in my 82' AAZ Westy and I thought it would be easy to solve mechanical problems that I come across on here with help from you all. I am pretty good at fixing things, but diagnosing what to replace I am not so good at.

So here is my first problem:

-Seeping from the #4 glow plug? Just replace the glow plug?

SeepingGlowPlug by RockOcean.com, on Flickr

-When its cold I have to crank it a few times to get it started

-I am going to need some all terrain tires soon. Whats a good set for 16" steelies?

-Last but not least, at some point I will be needing to ship my van over the Atlantic. Anybody done this before and know of a cheap and safe way to do this?

Thank you so much, I know a lot of questions I may post can be found on here somewhere. But my internet time is very limited - if you would like to follow me on my around the world journey check out my Facebook blog: www.facebook.com/freerockocean

Ryan Welty

Fri May 04, 2012 12:31 pm

Sorry, not familiar with the aircooleds, but a couple made a round the world trip in their 70s westy and wrote a book. They have some tips and tricks and FAQs on their website. Might be of use to you. I know they shipped from SA to Africa...

http://www.vwvagabonds.com/index.html

It's a great book to read too.

Scott

Fri May 04, 2012 12:49 pm

VR6zamboni wrote: So here is my first problem:

-Seeping from the #4 glow plug? Just replace the glow plug?
That's not a glow plug, it's an injector.

You better bone up in a Bentley manual a whole lot before your trip, if you are confused as to such a basic element of your AAZ, glow plugs vs. injectors.

Looks like your return lines are weeping, and need to be replaced. Factory spec has a braided cloth cover, so I bet that end piece with no cover is probably the culprit.

Fri May 04, 2012 12:55 pm

Witless Joe wrote:
Looks like your return lines are weeping, and need to be replaced. Factory spec has a braided cloth cover, so I bet that end piece with no cover is probably the culprit.

Ditto, but the end piece with no cover looks stock, I've never seen one of those leak actually, but I'm also typically wrenching on Newer TDIs and as it is likely original it should be replaced.

From the dealer the end cap is about a dollar I think, and as Joe says, the return lines should be replaced too.

Then clean the engine at the car wash and see if the leak is still there, if it is the only other place fuel can come from is the 17mm nut on the top of the injector, but I have never seen that connection leak.

Sat May 05, 2012 7:42 am

:bay_blue: Just check out Brad on Nancho blog on a round world trip now, 5 Mo. in. great site on how to get van ready. There in central america, talk about camping, food , cops, break downs . And all the things to see. :D

Sun May 06, 2012 12:19 pm

Thanks for the replies - I do have a Bentley and maybe I should read it so I know where the glow plugs are :- )

Any year TDI? For when I go to the dealer.

Ryan

82' Westy AAZ

Sun May 06, 2012 1:43 pm

VR6zamboni wrote: Thanks for the replies - I do have a Bentley and maybe I should read it so I know where the glow plugs are :- )

Any year TDI? For when I go to the dealer.

Ryan

82' Westy AAZ

If you are going to drive around the world in a ticking time bomb engine like the AAZ and you think your injector is a glow plug then good luck to you...
I ran an AAZ for a while and you will need an external oil cooler and a manual over ride switch for the two stage fan at least :wink:

High five brother 8)

jed

Sun May 06, 2012 1:46 pm

floggingmolly wrote: Sorry, not familiar with the aircooleds, but a couple made a round the world trip in their 70s westy and wrote a book. They have some tips and tricks and FAQs on their website. Might be of use to you. I know they shipped from SA to Africa...

http://www.vwvagabonds.com/index.html

It's a great book to read too.

Scott

Its a diesel Turbo diesel water cooled :?

jed

Sun May 06, 2012 1:49 pm

Thanks bro! its got the oil cooler, what is the switch needed for?