Engine woes for new owner - haven't even received my V5 yet :(

Years of trouble free motoring

 

At least you would be able to keep on top of a newly reconditioned engine and if you follow the service recommendations and operate it within the recommended parameters, no reason why it shouldn't go for ever (well almost). . Get a decent recon tho.

 

I put a recon engine in mine, I have done about 6000 miles in the last 5 years without any trouble! As long as it gets regular servicing and you dont try doing 80 again you might be fine! I tend to cruise at 55-60 in mine.

 

Dude, don't blame the PO. Lots of people drive around with 1641 in a bus without problems, but they don't drive it at 80mph.
I have external cooler on 1955 stroker version of your engine, but I could still kill it driving too fast as the head cooling is "what it is" with the upright fan. I think if I cruised it at 80 if would break before too long and it cost a lot more than your recon will.

On the plus side if you can drive your bus at 80 without expecting imminent death, the steering and handling must be ok.

 

Do you mean weeks? Remind us how many engines/year your van uses Dave.

 

Soon Mork? How long has Gusbus been in body resto and have you looked at the engine yet?

 

Dont get down Chris ,I killed 1 engine then had it rebuilt by a reputable engine builder who stiffed me when it went again within a year.
Look at some threads and ask some of the mechs (Zed ,Paul Weeding) what they would recommend

 

Ah hindsight is a wonderful thing.
I bought and chucked money at my first to the tune of £7000, then got so sick of it I sold it for £700 within a year. I looked much more thoroughly at it's replacement...

 

Yorshirecampers is closing in though

 

I would recommend not buying a bus if money is an issue.

 

Some of the folk have already pointed out your mistake so I won't go there. I feel for ya. Every VW I've had has caused sleepless nights and empty pockets over the years. It's an unfortunate learning curve we all (well most of us) eventually go through. I wouldn't agree with the sentiment of not rebuilding a T1 engine. I personally would rather rebuild my engine professionally than to get a brand new unit but that's just me. Stick with it mate.
Save up, get it rebuilt and at least then you know exactly what you have.
Some of my best mates are the ones I've had major fights with over the years. VW's are just the same!!

 

She's ahead now isn't she? And raised you a gearbox.
It's a funny old game. T4's are hardier. T1's weren't really designed for today's driving, the crank cases are made out of cheese and the crankshafts are bendy and snap, but I prefer the sound they make.

 

Your all very encouraging, and I know I shouldn't be finger pointing at the PO I should be blaming the guy in the mirror for going 70/80mph!
Should have had a better read on how to drive the bus before I set off!

Ill give Nigel Allen a ring tomorrow and see what he says about rebuilding it, or he may have a rebuild one in to drop in. anyone recommend anyone else in Cornwall worth a call to?

 

My bay was my 1st and only motor
Drive alot differently now ,sit at 60 and dont strain the engine when going up hills let the engine catch up slowly instead of putting the pedal to the floor.

 

And mines a 2l twin carb flat 4.

 

I remember setting off to cornwall in 1700 at midnight (cooler and no traffic), hacking down the M11, round the M25, along the M3 until I needed petrol. 70-75 all the way. When I stopped I went for a pee first, looked round and couldn't see the back half of the bus for smoke. Got away with it that time after an oil refil, but never drove it quite so fast again...

If it had been T1 1600 the big ends would have gone halfway down the M11 at that speed. BUT still I have mates who drive their T1 engines at this speed all the time and never a problem, so there must be the odd good one about.

 

Heat seize heat seize heat seize it cooled down and kept going
Heat seize

Engine rebuild or replacement is my guess im afraid dude

 

Any indications of cost of rebuild and recon engine? Also which recon company if I go down that route?