Day 1 of my open university course in VW Campervan Maintenance

Discussion in 'General Discussion' started by darron smith, Aug 28, 2020.

  1. Zed

    Zed Gradually getting grumpier

    Resite/bend/refit metal pipe so it doesn't pull the connectlor off.
     
    darron smith and Dubs like this.
  2. Dubs

    Dubs Sponsor supporter extraordinaire

    This.

    And put some cable ties in your toolbox, along with the duct tape and wd40 :thumbsup:
     
    Zed likes this.
  3. the second hand copy of the Bentley manual arrived, all the way from the States so it has a nice blue cover. Anyone interested in it? £22.00 plus postage or collect from North East Hampshire. I'll put it in the for sale section soon, can't remember if anyone following this thread wanted it?
     
    Low n slow likes this.
  4. Ok I have done this but should I try and clamp it / glue it from coming off again
     
  5. Yes I have these, and I have a basic tool kit. One of the problems is trying not to panic, you are a long way from home and not really understanding the problem. However I have learnt the van does not run well if the vacuum pipes are not on properly. Why does it run better when you are moving in a higher gear?

    Darron
     
    Dubs likes this.
  6. Pickles

    I have one now , many thanks

    Darron
     
  7. Chrisd

    Chrisd Supporter

    Hi Pickles
    I've sent you a PM
     
  8. mikedjames

    mikedjames Supporter

    Because when you have the throttle wide open, there is a big hole in the top of the carburettor letting in enough air for the engine to spin fast, and a main jet feeding fuel.
    The pressure in the inlet manifold increases to nearer atmospheric pressure as a result, so the little random incorrect holes around the place leak hardly any extra air.

    At idle, the whole fuel/air mix squeezes (or should ) through a tiny hole from the idle circuit in the carburettor to a point just below the throttle plate.
    This is feeding into a quite low air pressure in the manifold below the throttle plate, the engine sucks hard: it may be in the region of 500mbar or less below the plate.
    That hole is less than 1mm diameter.

    Any extra leaks through comparably sized holes or larger /cracks/missing pipes in the manifold let in a lot of air and force the engine to run with insufficient fuel, both by adding air to the mix and reducing the vacuum below the throttle plate at idle, reducing the effectiveness of the idle circuit.

    As you open the throttle, the first thing that happens is that some extra 'progression' holes uncover in the carburettor, so the idle circuit provides more flow through those holes.
    Then as the air speeds up going through the throat of the carburettor, the vacuum produced by fast moving air sucks fuel from the main jets, and this overrides the idle circuit.

    On the stock carburettor, to cover over the transition from progression to main jet while the engine isnt spinning fast enough yet, there is a squirter that is based on how fast you press on the pedal.

    So it goes idle -> progression holes -> squirt of extra petrol -> main jet .

    Unless its a massive hole, the full throttle case isnt really affected by vacuum leaks on a carburettor.
     
    snotty and Bob Alatt like this.
  9. Dubs

    Dubs Sponsor supporter extraordinaire

    Maybe pack some Camomile tea as well then, to help calm the nerves :)

    you will soon be proficient at carrying out minor repairs at the roadside, without the need for the AA man to come along and talk plums..

    If the rubber elbows are a nice tight fit, you shouldn’t need to clamp them.
     
    Zed and snotty like this.
  10.  
  11. Hi Mile

    Yes , good , I followed a lot of that, perfectly logical, make sense.

    Thanks

    Darron
     
  12. OK, will keep an eye on it and check before I set off,

    Thanks Darron
     
  13. What to do with the van over winter?

    I have realised I don't have a garage for the van this winter. I am extending the barn for the van to fit in completely and do some work on the van. I would value the forums thoughts on:

    Continue to drive the van or store it away in a friends place?

    If I store it , is there anything I should do? e.g empty fuel tank.

    Darron
     
  14. Day

    Day

    The best thing really is to drive the bus, not store it unused for long periods.
     
    docjohn, Lasty, Davipon and 1 other person like this.
  15. OK,
    OK , will do
     
  16. I love this thread as it shows how much everyone wants everyone else to enjoy and understand their bus. Plus I’ve learned loads. It could quite easily become a place where people take the p and ridicule others (like me) for asking absurd questions. Traces of jealousy are very few and far between and the forum is all the better for it. Well done all...
     
  17. docjohn

    docjohn Supporter

    Can't stress this strongly enough! Not just that it's better for the bus, it's better for the wellbeing of the owner :)
     
    darron smith, Day, Kkkaty and 4 others like this.
  18. mikedjames

    mikedjames Supporter

    Keep the rain off it if you can, but drive it regularly.
     
  19. I have the van outside and bought it a cover, plan a trip on the weekend, just need to find some where close and not in a lock down, Tesco garage !
     
    Valveandy likes this.

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