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loosing power on hills
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abrahe
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PostPosted: Mon Jun 25, 2012 11:24 am    Post subject: loosing power on hills Reply with quote

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
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PostPosted: Mon Jun 25, 2012 11:28 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Check the timing.
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PostPosted: Mon Jun 25, 2012 12:09 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Ever done anything with the vapor lines and charcoal canister?, How clean is your fuel tank?, looked in the fuel filter for debris?.
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SGKent Premium Member
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PostPosted: Mon Jun 25, 2012 12:30 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

look inside the fuel tank for debris that might block the outflow.
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Randy in Maine
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PostPosted: Mon Jun 25, 2012 12:53 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

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 Premium Member
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PostPosted: Mon Jun 25, 2012 1:04 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

also - duh for me, is this an manual trans or an automatic and what gear are you in?
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Desertbusman
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PostPosted: Mon Jun 25, 2012 2:39 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Laughing ^Yes^ Laughing

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.
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abrahe
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PostPosted: Wed Jun 27, 2012 9:20 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

it's a 74 auto. bought it to learn how to work on cars and unfortunately it's been pretty reliable. Wink

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 Premium Member
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PostPosted: Wed Jun 27, 2012 9:35 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

I would also be sure the transmission is downshifting properly and not slipping.
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Stuartzickefoose
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PostPosted: Wed Jun 27, 2012 10:41 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

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.
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aeromech
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PostPosted: Wed Jun 27, 2012 12:32 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Just how hot is the engine getting when climbing the hills? Real hot cylinders could lose compression.
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