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abrahe Samba Member
Joined: June 19, 2010 Posts: 8 Location: Portland, OR
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Posted: Mon Jun 25, 2012 11:24 am Post subject: loosing power on hills |
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Took a trip from portland over the blue mountains to idaho. Good trip.
The one exception is that when driving uphill for long distances, like over 10 miles, the bus looses power. If I try and push down on the accelerator it sputters, slows down significantly and it's hard to gain momentum at that point. So I generally ease up on accelerator pedal to slow to what I think is about 20mph and just crawl up hills, pushing on the accelerator pedal just until the power drops.
The funny thing is, after a day or so of returning to driving on flat ground, the problem stops. I've taken it to a mechanic and they say it's working just fine.
Any thoughts or ideas are much appreciated. |
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wihr Samba Member
Joined: August 15, 2010 Posts: 344 Location: PORTLAND, OR
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Posted: Mon Jun 25, 2012 11:28 am Post subject: |
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Check the timing. _________________ WIHR
1970 Campmobile "Van Ordinaire"
2009 Lincoln Town Car "Behemoth"
1969 Lambretta 150 DL "Nina"
1962 Matchless G 12 CS 650cc |
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busdaddy Samba Member
Joined: February 12, 2004 Posts: 51125 Location: Surrey B.C. Canada, but thinking of Ukraine
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Posted: Mon Jun 25, 2012 12:09 pm Post subject: |
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Ever done anything with the vapor lines and charcoal canister?, How clean is your fuel tank?, looked in the fuel filter for debris?. _________________ Rust NEVER sleeps and stock never goes out of style.
Please don't PM technical questions, ask your problem in public so everyone can play along. If you think it's too stupid post it here
Stop dead photo links! Post your photos to The Samba Gallery!
Слава Україні! |
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SGKent Samba Member
Joined: October 30, 2007 Posts: 41031 Location: Citrus Heights CA (Near Sacramento)
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Posted: Mon Jun 25, 2012 12:30 pm Post subject: |
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look inside the fuel tank for debris that might block the outflow. |
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Randy in Maine Samba Member
Joined: August 03, 2003 Posts: 34890 Location: The Beach
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Posted: Mon Jun 25, 2012 12:53 pm Post subject: |
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More information required.
Is this the 74 bus?
Still dual factory solex carbs?
Correct fuel pressure?
How do you have it timed and is this the correct distributor?
How are the valve adjustments? |
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SGKent Samba Member
Joined: October 30, 2007 Posts: 41031 Location: Citrus Heights CA (Near Sacramento)
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Posted: Mon Jun 25, 2012 1:04 pm Post subject: |
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also - duh for me, is this an manual trans or an automatic and what gear are you in? |
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Desertbusman Samba Member
Joined: June 03, 2005 Posts: 14655 Location: Arizona
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Posted: Mon Jun 25, 2012 2:39 pm Post subject: |
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^Yes^
20mph? hopefully 2nd gear in a manual or 1st in an auto. Otherwise you are lugging it to death. Or already have lugged it to death. _________________ 71 Superbug
71 Westy |
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abrahe Samba Member
Joined: June 19, 2010 Posts: 8 Location: Portland, OR
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Posted: Wed Jun 27, 2012 9:20 am Post subject: |
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it's a 74 auto. bought it to learn how to work on cars and unfortunately it's been pretty reliable.
I sense that the debris in the tank could be the issue. There seems to be a hissing sound now coming from the fuel filter or fuel pump, perhaps perpetuated by debris in the fuel line.
sounds like my first project is to learn to inspect the fuel tank and filter for debris.
and my second project is to learn how to time an vw engine.
Do you all recommend a book or website or online video for this sort of work. |
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SGKent Samba Member
Joined: October 30, 2007 Posts: 41031 Location: Citrus Heights CA (Near Sacramento)
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Posted: Wed Jun 27, 2012 9:35 am Post subject: |
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I would also be sure the transmission is downshifting properly and not slipping. |
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Stuartzickefoose Samba Post Whore
Joined: February 07, 2008 Posts: 10350 Location: SoCal for now...
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Posted: Wed Jun 27, 2012 10:41 am Post subject: |
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i agree with the filter being an issue....check and change that first, along with your lines if you havent already....cheap insurance, and will tell you how your tank may look if its clogged up. _________________ Stuart Zickefoose
2011 Jetta Sportwagen TDi 6 speed manual
206-841-7324
[email protected] |
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aeromech Samba Member
Joined: January 24, 2006 Posts: 16959 Location: San Diego, California
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Posted: Wed Jun 27, 2012 12:32 pm Post subject: |
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Just how hot is the engine getting when climbing the hills? Real hot cylinders could lose compression. _________________ Lead Mechanic: San Diego Air and Space Museum
Licensed Airframe and Powerplant Mechanic
Licensed Pilot (Single engine Land)
Boeing 727,737-200-300-400,757,767
Airbus A319,320,321
DC9/MD80
BAe146
Fokker F28/F100
VW type 1 1962,63,65,69,72
VW Type 2 1971 (3 ea.) 1978, 1969
VW Jetta
VW Passat
Capable of leaping tall buildings in a single bound |
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