KC - valve adjustment needed?

bhuser · Posted: Thu Apr 28, 2011 8:55 am Post subject: KC - valve adjustment needed?

I'm new to the VW realm and was wondering how many bay window owners live in the KC area. My 76 Westy is new to me, so I'm trying to get her fixed up mechanically. I talked with the original owner and he said the engine was rebuilt, but didn't know much about it.

The engine code on it is GD (in two places), so that would make it a 2.0L. From what I have read, it would mean it has solid lifters, and would then require valve adjustments. I have yet to take the exhaust off and get in there, mostly because of time but also because I have no feeler gauges (way to correct them). Does this sound right? Does the GD engine coded engine require valve adjustments?

Thanks for your help, and hope to meet a few local enthusiasts along the way.
_________________
'76 Westy

"Choosing the lesser of two evils is still choosing evil"
-Ralph Nader sticker in the bus when I bought it

SGKent · Posted: Thu Apr 28, 2011 9:04 am Post subject:

depends. Some GD are hydraulic. Also depends on what the owner put back in.
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“Most people don’t know what they’re doing, and a lot of them are really good at it.” - George Carlin

ratherb-buggin · Posted: Thu Apr 28, 2011 10:20 am Post subject:

I live in KC, but I don't know a whole lot about late bays. You should come to the next Mo-Kan meeting and get to know some of the local vw owners.
There is one or two places that could work on it, if you just want to have it tuned- up.
Congratulations on the bus! Welcome to the KC vw scene.

Keeby Swaggz · Posted: Thu Apr 28, 2011 11:14 am Post subject:

one way you can tell is to pop a valve cover off and give one of the rockers a push on the push-rod end... if it has a bit of bounce to it you've got hydraulic, if it's just solid with no give you have solid lifters... some people can tell by lookin' at the rocker arms, they're different in appearance... but I don't know the difference to be able to describe it to you...

Desertbusman · Posted: Thu Apr 28, 2011 12:13 pm Post subject:

Don't use lack of feeler gauges as an excuse. $5 at any parts store will take care of that problem if yours has solid lifters. Also get a Bentley service manual before you do anything at all to it. It's the new green bus owner that can do big damage to it, even with little things like oil changes. It's time to learn so enjoy doing that. Go slow and have fun. Wink

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71 Superbug
71 Westy

ScottK · Posted: Thu Apr 28, 2011 3:14 pm Post subject:

^^ What he said.

Also, the only way to know for sure you have hydraulics or solids is to pull a lifter and look at it (not at all difficult).

You don't have to pull the exhaust to check them.

SGKent · Posted: Thu Apr 28, 2011 3:20 pm Post subject:

Mike said "even oil changes." There is a bolt that holds the strainer that can break parts inside the engine really easy. Like oops. Please spend some time reading the Bentley manual and asking questions before doing anything. I was type one owner for close to 400,000 miles and didn't know about that bolt. Fortunately I learned about it before assembling the motor or doing an oil change.
_________________
“Most people don’t know what they’re doing, and a lot of them are really good at it.” - George Carlin

waltervee · Posted: Fri Apr 29, 2011 3:24 am Post subject:

Welcome to Samba and to the KC area VWAC family.

Here's my personal favorite VW mechanic -
Brown's Automotive,
8106 Prospect Ave,
KC, MO
and his website http://www.dannybrownsauto.com/

Visiting Dan and Junior are a return to the 70's!!
_________________
new 1969 tin top camper in 1969
1974 Westy
1973 Bus in process

bhuser · Posted: Fri Apr 29, 2011 7:16 am Post subject:

That is the second recommendation I have had for Brown's Auto. I spoke with him yesterday and he sounded like a hell of a nice/knowledgable guy. Plan to use his services in the future.

I have already done an oil change on the bus (filter, gaskets, strainer) and hopefully didn't overtighten that bolt. The Bentley manual has been ordered, so I'll wait to do anything else mechanically to it before that arrives.

I'm having trouble going slow on this bus though...so many things I want to do!
_________________
'76 Westy

"Choosing the lesser of two evils is still choosing evil"
-Ralph Nader sticker in the bus when I bought it

pb24ss · Posted: Fri Apr 29, 2011 7:22 am Post subject:

Is Vee Village still around? I used to take my VW there in the 80's. They seemed to do quality work at the time.

bhuser · Posted: Fri Apr 29, 2011 9:38 am Post subject:

They are still there. I haven't ever worked with them, but haven't heard anything bad. I asked if they would do a valve adjustment and they said they didn't work on my year bus. 1976 Westy.
_________________
'76 Westy

"Choosing the lesser of two evils is still choosing evil"
-Ralph Nader sticker in the bus when I bought it

aircoolfreak · Posted: Fri Apr 29, 2011 11:20 am Post subject:

these guy are just down the road from me in Lees Summit

http://www.aircooledjunkies.com tell them the Survival Bus sent you LOL
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