Hiya We have just got a 33 year old bay with 203,000 miles on the clock, the engine has no running issues at all. We are lookingto do a trip down through Europe next year and have the dilemma whether to put in a new engine for peace of mind or stick with "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" attitude. Can any of you knowledgeable lot recommend a good air cooled mechanic in the Sussex/Kent area who could take a look and give us an honest opinion. Thanks for your help
What engine? Could well have been changed by PO's. It's clearly got a lot of history and youve only had it a short time so, most likely, here will be some issues. Just check it over: Compression test Noises Performance (is it drinking more fuel than usual, bad starter, struggling up hills etc (then it's normal tee hee) and and and I think if it aint broke don't fix it but make sure it aint broke! enjoy your trip! S
Does the engine smoke on start up or running... Whats the colour of the oil like after say 1000 miles (our westy has 109k on the clock & the oil does not discolour)
if there are no serious leaks, if its not knocking (you should listen to other similar engines if you're not familiar of how it should sound), if its not smoking or consuming huge amounts of oil you should be good. Do a good service, oil change etc and don't worry about it. what engine btw?
Service it and go, if you have the money to replace it stick it in an account that you can access from your travels if you need too, it's only 4 bolts after all
A jolly good service and a check of compression will tell you a lot about the engine. If it's not broken, don't fix it.
I can't help with the name of an engine guy in your area but am definitely in the "if it ain't broke" camp. Don't know when you are doing your trip but getting to know your way around your own van's engine is a very good move. Techenders weekends come highly recommended (next one is in March). You get to service your own van with advice from knowledgeable fellow owners. If you want it looked over, a guy who I hear is good, near Bedford but travels is www.vwfish.co.uk If you did decide to go big and properly sort your engine I still wouldn't just get a "new" recon. I am getting my engine back tomorrow from a very thorough rebuild by Laurie Pettitt up in Bonnie Scotland. Loads of things were wrong with it but Laurie has done a very thorough job, even tins painted, new carbs etc. for less than a Remtec T4 short engine. Hope this helps
Thanks everybody sound advice, we do have loads of paperwork even original bill of sale and conversion receipt. But no engine, although there seems to be a bill for several thousand pounds but it's in german or dutch!!!! The engine thats in her is stamped mexico so i assume she did'nt leave the factory with this engine. We want to use her as much as possible, and going to shows. Any problems will show up before our big trip next year, the problem being is my missus will have spent my engine money on soft furnishings and reupholstery. Cheers for that!!
As above, good service, check the compression, pull the crank pulley back & forth to check crank end float. That'll tell you most things. Might stick an oil pressure guage on it to check the oil pressure when hot. Also listen for little or big-end knocks. Not so easy, as aircoolers make a racket anyway. If all's well, leave it!
Hi, just had one of my students look at an old bill and the old girl had another engine fitted. He can read dutch, the only problem is it was fitted in 1987. Two hundred thousand on the clock, end float checking here i come!! Thanks again for the advise
