My first 1975 VW Bay Window, FI engine

[El_Cid]

I have just purchased a 1975 FI Bay Window. I drove it 100 miles home, it was a great ride, no problem, max speed of 75 MPH, no problem up hills. I filled the tank up, after 100 miles the gas tank was a notch over half of the tank.
I am handy with tools and following instructions, I would like to know in order to dismount the engine and transmission for cleanup, restore:
1- What service manual(s) I should obtain for reference.
2- Is there any video(s) available for step by step instructions.
3- there is a refrigerator, should I fix it, or is it worth the time to fix it.
regards
Cid

[Wildthings]

[KentABQ]

Here's the best reference I used when removing and refreshing my engine the first time: AirSchooled.com

Where in CA are you? Lots of Samba members around the state who might be able to help you.
_________________
-Kent-
1976 Riviera, 1.8l FI chrome yellow VAN - "Chloe"

"I must say, how can you be in a bad mood driving this vehicle full of vibrant color.
Cars of today are so bland in comparison. It's like driving a celebration!" ---WildIdea

Bus ownership via emoticons:
---williamM

[malcolm2]

it's running and feels good? Besides pulling the engine to clean, you got any other thoughts? Unless there is a huge need, I might leave it in and drive it.

Lots of internet stuff out there on the L-Jet FI. I have learned alot. BIGGEST thing on the L-JET is vacuum leaks. Small leaks make idling difficult, Large leaks and it won't start or run.

If the PO did not mention that he had changed hoses, etc.... you gotta do that. Seals and hoses..... there are o-rings and seals and hoses everywhere. But there are diagrams everywhere too. As you pull stuff to re-seal and re-hose you can do some exterior cleaning.

Post some more pix. Good Luck
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My Toys: '75 Porsche 914, '92 Ski Nautique and now a 1972 VW Transporter Deluxe (punch list fixing)

[Spike0180]

Pulling the engine to clean will require replacing any old hoses (they will break when you remove them) and overall a lot of investment and work to clean for no reason. I'd be tempted to run it as is while you take your time here and in the john muir idiot book mentioned above to learn everything you can about your engine. It will make cleaning it much more efficient and give you time to gather parts instead of taking your bus out of service right away for a month or two. Yes you can remove and re-install the engine in a weekend, IF you have a nice stash of the small bits a pieces you will need to get it back together as your 50yr old stuff breaks on you.

So welcome to thesamba, we mean well but aren't always the most cuddly.
We mean well and want you to enjoy your van and not make the same dumb mistakes we have.
Also, we love pictures! Post a bunch!

[aerosurfer]

Engine removal.... the best guide and website for just about everything

http://ratwell.com/technical/EngineRemoval.html
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Rebuild your own FI Harness..My Harness

77 Westy 2.0L Rockin and Rolling Resto!

72 Sportsmobile (sold)
79 Tran$porter... Parts car money machine (gone)

[Wildthings]

If your engine and tranny aren't marking their spot on the garage floor then pulling them might well be ill advised at this time. Some oil seepage is normal and pretty much expected, but actually having a frequent drip is not. For these and most engines mechanics doing less than stellar work cause a high percentage of the problems.

As others said it is hoses and such that are important to deal with. Running with 40+ year old fuel line is a total no-no and needs to be taken care of at once. Adding marine anti siphon valves on the inlet and outlet of the tank (making sure the flow direction is correct for each valve) can also lessen the chance of catastrophic fire. You want 30r9 fuel injection line or a European equivalent. Some 30r14 line, but NOT ALL will carry 30r9 markings.

It is important that all your engine tin be present and in good shape, if someone has cut away parts of it to get access for some reason and left big gaping holes those holes need to be well closed off or the tin replaced. There are several boots and grommets that are also typically missing and can waste gobs of cooling air.

These rigs can be very dependable, but most have had a half dozen owners by this point in time and each has cut some corners and each cut corner can come back to bite you.

[El_Cid]

[El_Cid]

[timvw7476]

like the above said, maybe shampoo it in situ & be gentle with it.
whatever you do with the fridge, don't pitch it out. Store it for later if
you don't crave a cold beer while you drive...

[El_Cid]

[ToolBox]

[El_Cid]

Manuals...
Thank you,
These are great,

[my59]

If it was me, before I pulled an engine to clean it up I'd do a dry and wet compression test, run it for a while, then check all the valve clearances then do another dry and wet compression test to get a baseline on where things stand.
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my59: Well son, my grandfather died before I got to drive it, so does that answer your question?
our79: sunroof bus w/camper interior and 2.0 FI
Other:'12 Jetta, '77 Benz 300D, and a 74 MG Midget.

[El_Cid]

[El_Cid]

This is great, I appreciate your effort in assisting me to get my VW in top shape.

[Campmobile Chris74]

Post more pics
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Go Seahawks!!!

[Our79Westy]

Congratulations! Welcome to thesamba

i know you will find many answers here. Before driving my bus my order of importance was :

1 make sure it rolls safely, i.e., proper load rated truck tires, all 4 wheels bearings status, cv joints, boots, etc.

2 make sure it stops safely, i.e. brakes on all 4 wheels, brake lines, have the flexible brake lines, been replaced within the last 5 years? and

3 make sure it goes safely, i.e. fuel lines, fuel vent lines, fuel filler neck, fuel tank condition, oil leaks, vacuum leaks, lights, seatbelts, etc.

many of these tasks can be accomplished together like the brakes and bearings. These were easier for me with the bus completely tireless (after loosening the rear axle nuts) and safely supported.

Good luck and have fun with your new hobby I look forward to seeing your progress.
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1979 Westfalia DELUXE 2.0 FI manual
Mexican beigeutiful and mostly original.

See the most up to date status of Constance on YouTube
https://m.youtube.com/channel/UCvO1ZedS22IepvvRYaTxiPQ

My 1979 Westfalia Campmobile's sundry Tales of Constance
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=620965

1990 Vanagon, Red, Driven 70,000 miles till sold.

[El_Cid]

I am replacing the taillights, but I did not like the dull look of the housing, so I used a "Bumper Chrome" spray paint to give it a little reflection.