Reliability......

Discussion in 'Buying a VW Camper' started by Fil6, Apr 24, 2015.

  1. I was reading a magazine article last night on a guys bus, he had obviously spent a lot of time and money rennovating the body work, updating the interior and overhauling the engine and so on.

    But in the final paragraph is goes onto say that he's looking to venture down to Cornwall and suggested that this would be the furthest he'd been in the bus and that he had all the tools and AA cover ready.

    This got me thinking....

    What are the most common reasons for a bus to break down and how can these causes be mitigated against? Is it a case of regular services, regular use, upgrades etc.

    Or is it just the case and whatever you do, it is just down to age, so they will breakdown.
     
    Stan likes this.
  2. PSG

    PSG

    I reckon its all down to maintenance, but even then , if it is an old engine you just dont know what is lurking. I guess if you bought all new ancillaries for your engine, you would be safer in the knowledge that they were new and not 'x' years old. But then again, a new product is never immune to problems.

    I think if you have spent time to get to know your van, and learn how it works, you will be a lot more comfortable on the longer journeys. My first journey in a bay was over a thousand miles in france. I didnt have a clue about anything. If it had gone wrong it would probably have been stumped. But now i would say i am a bit more clued up.

    Having tools, parts and the AA on call, just means that if something does go wrong, you might not spoil your trip by having to go home. Roadside repairs mean that you can fix it and carry on.
     
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  3. Driver knowledge....

    Learn more and know how to fix things on the spot...:D
     
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  4. Zed

    Zed Gradually getting grumpier

    I've only broken down once in nigh on 20 years and that was knackered points in a Morris Minor fuel pump someone had fitted. AA got it going in 20 minutes by taking it apart and tweaking the points. I replaced them for 75p later.
    Half the battle is seeing it coming and heading it off (maintenance), the other half is luck.
    A noticeable % of new owners drive home as if it's a car and total the engine on the first trip.
     
    Surfari, Stan, Bhubesi and 1 other person like this.
  5. Bhubesi

    Bhubesi Supporter

    AS Zed said, preventive maintenance is the key to reliability!!

    I maintained our bus with great care when we lived in Dubai, as a weekend out camping, you were on your own with regard to break downs.
    The bus was in a condition that we could have driven back to UK with very little preparation.
    Tony
     
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  6. Baysearcher

    Baysearcher [secret moderator]

    Maintenance helps but as someone up there said ^^ a lot comes down to luck.
    People who don't use their buses tend to worry about long drives for no reason other than the fact it's new to them.
    I've broken down properly once in 10 years. It was a snapped clutch cable.
     
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  7. JamesLey

    JamesLey Sponsor

    Id agree with Zed. Provided you maintain them they should be fine. Having said that mines currently not running as the alternator is out for repair (shaft has some Knackered threads so nut won't go on!)
     
  8. MorkC68

    MorkC68 Administrator

    Part of the key to reliability is knowing your bus, what needs checking regularly, what it foibles are and the main thing, not to treat it like a modern car!
     
    Fil6 and Stan like this.
  9. and not thrashing it!
     
    Stan likes this.
  10. Rubbish, thrash it mercilessly.
    If it packs up you've bought a bad 'un, trade it for another.
    You'll soon learn.
     
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  11. I drive my little 1.6 like I have stolen it, just keep the oil topped,your break fluid topped and don't forget your window wash :thinking: you should be fine :burp:
    if anything happens just deal with it simples. Enjoy.
     
    Stan likes this.
  12. Any old vehicle can be just as reliable as a modern one, but they must be used on a regular basis. Get to know it (at home not on the hard shoulder) service it and just check things over - cables not loose or catching on anything? Keep brakes and bearing adjusted up, grease/oil as per service schedule and just generally look after it. They are simple vehicles no umpteen sensors, airbags , internal computer network or control units that will fail.
    Try and consider the breakdown cover as an absolute fallback not the first place you go to (thats the way I view it!)
    You should be able to resolve most things by yourself. Just carry a few basic spares ,oil and good selection of tools, the ones you need will only come with experience of working on your van.
    Dont worry too much about it just give it a good check over once in a while or just before a major trip, better to spend time on holiday than under a 40 year old.
    :thumbsup:
     
  13. Thanks all, I am just preparing myself with as much knowledge as possible before taking the plunge into ownership.
     
    Stan likes this.
  14. sANDYbAY

    sANDYbAY On benefits-won't sponsor!

    At my age I'd LOVE to spend some time under a 40 year old. :)
     
  15. I have had two breakdowns in my bus both total engine failures, that was down to the age. i keep mine well maintained and use it regluarly (curently my daily)
    if you look after it and use it you wont need a big yellow taxi unless its for something that you cant help (luck)
     
  16. Baysearcher

    Baysearcher [secret moderator]

    Dont get too hung up on people saying you must learn to work on it / fix it yourself. If you want to; great, but there are loads of owners about who dont know one end of a spanner from the other. They're still perfectly capable of running an old bus. They just need to build confidence in a local mechanic (who, contrary to popular belief, are not all out to fleece you).
     
    scrooge95 likes this.
  17. davidoft

    davidoft Sponsor

    You thrash it all the wrong way ;)
     
  18. haha yes very good - oops slipped up there!
     
  19. I too am a pedal to the metal thrasher...
     
  20. thats because the buggers dont get anywhere unless you rev them! The joy of a lawnmower ! Dont thrash them too much all the time
     

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