SpeedVagon.. NOT

a1fa · Posted: Mon Oct 03, 2011 2:42 pm Post subject: SpeedVagon.. NOT

I am new to 1981 VW Vanagon. If you recall my previous post I had some issues with pushrod seals, and also oil pressure sensor... $330 later, and 1 gallon of gas lost due to over-fill she is running again....

My first road trip, a 60 mile round trip, 1 mile up a steep hill, and I felt like something is holding me back.

Is the 2.0 so gutless, even on the straights, and even up small hills. Once I get moving over a certain distance and get to the 4th gear the engine runs fine and smooth, and I can maintain good speed.. getting there is a major pain in the butt.. i expected a bit more "life" out of a 2 liter..

I've experienced similar performance on my 50cc 2-stroke scooter after the exhaust got clogged up... could it be that my cat is clogged up, and this thing is not breathing ok?

I feel like I have an exhaust leak too, before the cat, a small tube rotted out.. possibly the EGR... so the question is, could this be holding me back?

Shocked

r39o · Posted: Mon Oct 03, 2011 3:04 pm Post subject:

Pushing around a 5000+ pound aerodynamic brick with a wheezing 68 hp may have something to do with it......

With 135 hp I can just keep my own with traffic. Much better at speed on the freeway, like you.

I am dreaming of that 165+ hp 2.5 with high compression hybrid Suby engine.....
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scottf3334 · Posted: Mon Oct 03, 2011 3:35 pm Post subject:

Vanagons are a big brick, but it sounds as if you may be having some problems. They are not ridiculously slow, unless you are talking about the diesel Embarassed

Hills are not your friend, but keep in mind people have been driving these around since the early eighties. Just keep the revs up.

Make sure you are firing on all four cylinders and that your engine is timed right. Sounds as if that may be your problem.

Also, fix the exhaust leak. If it is the egr tube, you can block it off. Post up some pictures of your new ride.
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Timwhy · Posted: Mon Oct 03, 2011 4:17 pm Post subject:

SpeedVagon Not, you are correct! Thought it was pretty funny this weekend looking at my
speedo, with that 100mph staring me in the face. 100mph, I think is not going to happen more
like 70mph.
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reluctantartist · Posted: Mon Oct 03, 2011 4:26 pm Post subject:

You should not have trouble getting to 4th on the straight away. If you are struggling, something is amiss. Maybe a clogged or melted CAT or dragging brakes. On a level surface or even a slight incline I easily get up to 70. Now if you expect to get to 70 as fast as my wife's volvo s60 t5 then yes it is a slug. If you do not have a Bently, get one in the mean time down load the Bosch AFC manual http://www.thesamba.com/vw/archives/manuals/afc_fi_training_troubleshooting_manual.php

and follow the troubleshooting section.
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a1fa · Posted: Mon Oct 03, 2011 5:32 pm Post subject:

I did some basic maintenance tonight. Changed the oil to 10W30 with Lucas oil treatment. I noticed there is a hissing sound coming from somewhere. I thought it was from the airbox, but I found one vacuum leak. There has to be another one. The rubber on these is just not holding up after 30 years. Very Happy

All kidding aside.

Is there an easy way to check the timing, or do I need to get a mechanic with a timing light? Also, a mechanic friend of mine pointed out that he is hearing a knock.. I couldn't hear it, until the oil change... Denial i guess.... I'm still thinking its the airbox flappin around.. Rolling Eyes

Should be posted shortly. He thinks its a rod knock.

Antron · Posted: Mon Oct 03, 2011 5:45 pm Post subject:

knocking after the oil change ? I'd try 20/50

Bob
87 syncro westfakia

a1fa · Posted: Mon Oct 03, 2011 5:47 pm Post subject:

ok.. my cellphone's microphone pretty much eliminated all the engine noise and all i got was white noise... but the knock is only on acceleration, and can only be heard when you are standing on top of the engine.. not literally you silly.. i blip the throttle and you can hear clonk.... but if you go steady on the throttle it does not do it...

vanagonjr · Posted: Mon Oct 03, 2011 5:49 pm Post subject:

I think it is hard to define if you are having a problem based on slow acceleration from a posting - since "slow" is a not a definable quantity.

I had an air cooled Vanagon Westfalia - which despite a re-built engine and pronounced as "having plenty of power" from well-respected VW shop that set it up after my re-build. I found it OK on flat ground, but any hill at all was a challenge. An up-hill on ramp was down right dangerous. Hence I now own a water cooled Westfalia "Weekender" (pop-top, no kitchen, propane - i.e. - lighter) and I find the motor essentially adequate.

And yet, plenty of water cooled convert for more power (in addition to reliability). A modern mini-van has over 250hp, (over 3.5 x 68HP) so even after an engine conversion, the power in a Vanagon will generally pale to a modern vehicle.

You really need someone local with an air-cooled Vanagon Westfalia to drive your van and/or vice-versa to determine if your van lass less than 68HP.

John

Andrew A. Libby · Posted: Mon Oct 03, 2011 5:51 pm Post subject:

There are dyno aps for the iPhone. 68hp at the crank is approx 58 hp at the wheels.

a1fa · Posted: Mon Oct 03, 2011 6:06 pm Post subject:

Tomorrow I am lubricating shifter linkage. It just feels dry, and its making squeeky noises.... but I may dump this oil and go 20W50 with Lucas additive, but winter is coming, and it will be a bitch to turn. Is there a documented EGR removal process, or is disconnecting linkage enough?

My rig:

Image may have been reduced in size. Click image to view fullscreen.

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Bus parking only approved!

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Original miles.. is it normal to start knocking?

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Popsvan · Posted: Mon Oct 03, 2011 6:19 pm Post subject:

Nice ride!

I have an 82 Auto westy and it is slow! ' Rolling Eyes

' 70? thats retirement age not a speed right? ' Very Happy

'
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Washington PA
82 Westy Automatic

a1fa · Posted: Mon Oct 03, 2011 6:21 pm Post subject:

Thank you.. so far I am loving it....

If you had to predict, not knowing how long did previous owner drove it with a knock, how long it would last....

The question is, is it better to go ahead and split it now, and rebuild or wait for the inevitable?

dobryan · Posted: Mon Oct 03, 2011 6:25 pm Post subject:

Where are you located? If you put in more info than 'US' someone in your area will likely volunteer to let you drive theirs to see if there is a difference. Nice ride, looks great. Very Happy

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Dave O
'87 Westy w/ 2002 Subaru EJ25 w/ TBD and Locker

"To travel hopefully is a better thing than to arrive." Robert Louis Stephenson

BillWYellowstone · Posted: Mon Oct 03, 2011 6:32 pm Post subject:

55 is retirement age. Well from one career to another, then again later, 70 as a limit is not a limit but a goal.

Mine will cruise at 75, right at about 4k on the tach.
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a1fa · Posted: Mon Oct 03, 2011 6:37 pm Post subject:

Ahwahnee · Posted: Mon Oct 03, 2011 6:44 pm Post subject:

Looks a bit like Queen Wilhelmina State Park (one of the most scenic spots in Arkansas).

a1fa · Posted: Mon Oct 03, 2011 6:53 pm Post subject:

RCB · Posted: Mon Oct 03, 2011 7:31 pm Post subject:

Howz a bout checking out Roadhause for a mechanic in your immediate area. Nice to see another air cooled on the road. Good luck

a1fa · Posted: Mon Oct 03, 2011 8:04 pm Post subject:

Who do you guys recommend for drop-in air-cooled replacement?

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