Dear forum Following my breakdown in Tavistock I took the bus to the mechanic : The findings were that the clutch was worn. Although a 200mm clutch was in place the actual clutch is a 210mm. I had ordered a 200mm full clutch kit but ended up only using the new clutch plate and used old pressure plate. During the work new points were fitted and a sundry of different seals were replaced. My mechanic said that the van was now pulling well but could do with a new/refurbished rotar arm and the carburrettor tune. Driving the bus back for the 1st mile all seemed well but after climbing the hill to my house I started to feel the engine splutter a bit, then stall at the junctions and then not start. The engine turns over , there appears to be fuel in the tank from the gauge. The accelerator pedal seems to feel different and the spring that connects to the accelerator mechanism in the engine bay was disconnected. Needless to say I have spoken to the mechanic and he is happy to have the van back but is there something simple I could look for that would get the van started. The default mode is the AA. Darron
I would guess the points or dizzy has moved when engine was put under load because they weren’t tighten up properly. If so this is basic maintenance and it might be a idea to get a manual and some basic tools and learn to do these type of jobs yourself.
Agree check timing, accelerator cable is properly adjusted and that the carb hasnt been adjusted, if that's been tinkered with then it could be a problem Sent from my SM-G975F using Tapatalk
When he said "it was pulling well" had he actually driven it? I would suggest not. Sounds like a timing issue, or he didn't set the points.
This would be my guess although to be fair it could be anything which is why it's better to learn how to service your own van .. Techenders is a couple of weeks away , just go !! Sent from my SM-G960F using Tapatalk
We seem to be getting a few "garage messed my van up, what to do?" threads lately. Take it back, if it won't drive make him come snd fetch it. Have a cup of tea.
Mmm ! I think he did drive it up our local hill and it started straight away and drove off, He replaced the original points and said he was having difficulty setting them due to the rotaor arm being slack. The bus drove perfectly well to the garage ,and he said that he had not touched the carbs. Now I would love to come to "techenders" but I doubt I would get to my local coop. I could arrive on a back of an AA lorry. I accept that I should learn to do basic maintenance, but I first have to learn what a dizzy is? I shall get my Haines out and do some light reading. Thanks Darron
Lol Dizzy - Distributor, rotates when slackened to adjust the timing, best done with a strobe or timing light, best thing I did was replace the points for electronic. Easy retro fit Sent from my SM-G975F using Tapatalk
The points are set on the highest point of the lobe of the distributer shift, the rotor arm has no bearing on point settings, if it is loose it may affect the running of the engine but it would almost have to have the locating lug worn away. You can check gaps by using a dwell meter when the engine is running. I would get him to fix the problem but show you the bits he changed or need to be changed.
What is this refurbished rotor arm of which the mechanic speaks? Have I been buying an occasional new one, when I could have been saving myself vast sums of money with a refurbished one? Damn my spendthrift ways! Also, if the carb needs a tune, I'm a tad surprised the mechanic didn't actually do it rather than just mention it in passing. If you can get it driving enough, techenders would be a great for you. And if you breakdown on the way, get the AA to deliver you there. I know very little about the workings of my engine, but as a result of the forum and TE I can at least set my timing, and could have a lash at valves and tuning.
Well said Sarah, you don't go and pick up a bus expecting to hear such gumph. Sounds like they were angling for a return visit/charge for these simple almost zero cost additions. Perhaps they resent only being able to tag a tenner onto the bill and a return visit would be more profitable. At the opposite end of the scale I used to take mine 60 miles to get it fixed because when I picked it up "Trev" would be apologising for adding 50p due to spotting a missing circlip or whatever. This is good service.
