Had my 79 Sundowner for 10/12 now and just starting to settle in. Lots of hint/tips off the forum … so many thanks to all. Anyway, just back from my first long trip (500 miles) to the Gower * and didn’t break down or catch fire! (I have managed shorter trips including Winter Camp, but reckon this was a bit of a milestone). Anyway 3 questions if I may… 1. 23 miles/gallon (1.6L, 60mph, mainly motorway) OK I reckon, but any easy ways to improve fuel consumption (suspect I know the answer) 2. Cold start fine (no throttle) but warm start eg after stopping for petrol… reluctant. Unsure as to…No throttle/throttle or bit of throttle??? 3. Lots of waving on the way to Wales but unsure as to who I should be waving to ? T25’s ? old people ? Children???? Many thanks in advance * Hillhead, Llangennith – Lovely spot just behind surf beach/dunes. 4 fields all flattish, (2 for families) shop and café, free hot showers - £18 for van and family (no dogs) Thoroughly recommend
Well done for the big trip!! I reckon, drop off to 55mph and you can add 4-5 mpg at a steady speed Don't touch the throttle (but mine present bus is an Fi so I stand to be corrected!) Wave at anyone - they love it!!! B
1. No. Live with it. 2. Slowly press the accelerator down to the floor and hold it there when cranking. 3. Give T25s the Vs-up.
I always find pressing the gas peddle to the floor and releasing it before I start it gets mine started every time hot or cold. Wave at anyone that flashes or waves and at any Bus you see.
Fuel consumption sounds about right They all have quirks find what routine works for your bus Wave at everyone and anyone your driving a late bay your a god
Get a hot start mod, (search this site for a cheap and quick how to). Mpg, it is what it is. Imagine it as smiles per gallon then it's a million. Wave at whoever waves at you and make sure you wave at any t2 owner that hasn't waved at you.
Many thanks Got it.... So it's ..... Don't touch the throttle. OR Slowly press the accelerator down and hold it there. OR press gas peddle to the floor and releasing it before start. OR press the pedal down slowly too , crank the engine with the throttle wide open, then release when fires.
i wave at anyone but if it's a t4/5 they have to wave 1st, i don't touch the throttle at all while starting
1. Not sure about that. 2. Not sure about that either. 3. I'm usually the first to flash other Bays, always followed by a wave. I'll flash or wave back to any other model of VW bus, only if they do it to me first - these are usually Splits and T25s. Not that many T4 and T5s flash or wave. They have a good look though. I just sit there thinking 'come on, wave if you want to'. They're a little shy I guess.
Shy? Or miserable fat gits, too busy stuffing Ginsters pasties into their chubby faces to bother being sociable? Let's say they're just awestruck.
1. Be thankful it runs and accept any MPG she will give you! 2. Hot start relay 3. Wave at all bays - wait for T25s to wave first as many are owned by old people who "dont get it". Front engined vans get a respectful nod...
You're driving it too fast, do 55 ish & only hit 60 going downhill & you should get just the happy side of 25mpg. Mine starts when hot, so I can offer no pearls of wisdom. I wave back to anyone, whether I'm in my bay or walking. Or walking along minding my own business when some chav shouts from the window of a 306, 'Oi Crackhead!' Which to be honest I thought was rather sweet .
