Colin gave me a 1978 taigagrün bus (IAC visit 2010)

It's been a long time since I've updated this blog. Too many excuses and time has slipped away. Wilson is back on the road now and I've already made a couple road trips. I'll gather some photos and post the details soon. In the mean time, Here's a recap of Colin's visit earlier this year to help me out. Once again this was the best investment I have made to keep the bus running. Check out some of the previous "Itinerant Air-Cooled" posts for more information. He really is an air-cooled guru.

Last month Colin stopped by for the 2010 IAC visit. We quickly made our way to the kitchen for coffee and a review of my list. #7 and last on the list was a broken “Fuel Tank Sender Unit”. It stopped working last year, shortly after replacing the fuel lines. I did not have it in me this year to drop the engine and dig back in there behind the firewall. I really just added the fuel sender to the list as an FYI, but Colin decided that would be first thing we look at. I gulped my coffee and we headed out to see the 78 Westy parked in the garage...

My stomach sank as I imagined us dropping the engine and having no time to get through the rest of my list. I really wanted to hit item #1, “Hesitation, Bucking & Stalling on Acceleration” first to make sure we had time to fix it. The problem has been plaguing my 78 Sage Green bus for over a year and I was worried we might not get to it. Colin wasn’t as worried so we started with the sender unit. He asked me if I understood that we would have to drop the engine for this task. Colin, wondering aloud, then asked if I thought we could replace the sender unit without dropping the tank??? Oh yeah, I had nothing to lose since the fuel gauge wasn’t working anyway. Let’s try it!

After removing the firewall and surrounding hoses, it wasn’t more than just a few minutes before Colin was able to twist his arm over the top of the tank and remove the sender unit. This was all with the engine still in place. A quick test of the old unit confirmed it was faulty and a few minutes later Colin had the new sender installed and we were putting the firewall back together again. I was amazed and grateful considering we still had the entire day ahead of us.

We then went through the rest of my 2010 IAC list:

1. Hesitation, bucking, & stalling on acceleration
2. “Humming” from engine compartment
3. Steering box drip
4. Confirm alternator belt tension
5. “Pre-Trip” check
6. Replace rear shocks
7. Fuel tank sender unit

We could now focus on the first item on my list, engine hesitation. Colin asked me what I thought could be causing the problem and we talked over several possibilities. It didn’t take long for Colin to find that the AAR elbow was badly cracked and leaking. I checked the same hose myself last year and I didn’t notice any problems. That was another lesson in why I shouldn’t assume something wasn’t broken because it looked good the last time I inspected it. We weren’t sure if this would fix the problem, but Colin seemed very optimistic.

We then moved down the rest of the list, adding in a couple extra tasks along the way. This included adjusting the AFM, replacing the rear shocks, identifying the "humming" noise (which turned out to be my new fuel pump), checking the front wheel bearings, lubricating and adjusting the shifter stop plate, pre-trip check, and I’m sure a couple other things were mixed in there. We also squeezed in a little lunch and cookies in the afternoon. During our work, Colin noted a few things I need to do on my own, such as: replacing the front bushing (missing), fill the steering box (leaking), and repack the wheel bearings. Before I knew it we were getting close to the 10 hour mark and it was time to start wrapping up the annual visit.

Sometime during the day Colin asked me how I liked my Taiga Green Westy. I quickly corrected him and said I loved my Sage Green Westy. Colin again tried to tell me that my bus was Taiga, just like the BobD. I could feel myself perk up as I was about to teach the master about the Sage Green used by VW on the 1978 buses. I have prided myself in the beautiful Sage Green color of my bus. It’s been my favorite since I was a kid and first saw the Campmobiles parked on the Volkswagen lot in the late 70’s. Colin just smiled and asked me to check out the color code on his bus. Tucked behind the driver’s seat was a sticker with the words “taigagrün L-63-H” printed on it. He then walked back to my bus and showed me the same sticker hidden behind the seat. I couldn’t believe it. I was 110% certain I had a Sage Green Westy, but apparently VW thought otherwise when they marked mine as Taigagrün. I still think something is fishy. I’ve seen Sage Green referenced in too many VW printings.

Thanks for your help Colin and my new Taigagrün bus. The bus is running MUCH better since your visit. I think we made the fuel a little too lean at idle, but I'll fix that. The hesitation issue appears to have been fixed (YEAH). Have a safe journey...

Odometer: 46166

It's been a long time since I've updated this blog. Too many excuses and time has slipped away. Wilson is back on the road now and I've already made a couple road trips. I'll gather some photos and post the details soon. In the mean time, Here's a recap of Colin's visit earlier this year to help me out. Once again this was the best investment I have made to keep the bus running. Check out some of the previous "Itinerant Air-Cooled" posts for more information. He really is an air-cooled guru.<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o256/locoqueso/DSC09440.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" hw="true" src="http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o256/locoqueso/DSC09440.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /> Last month Colin stopped by for the 2010 IAC visit. We quickly made our way to the kitchen for coffee and a review of my list. #7 and last on the list was a broken “Fuel Tank Sender Unit”. It stopped working last year, shortly after replacing the fuel lines. I did not have it in me this year to drop the engine and dig back in there behind the firewall. I really just added the fuel sender to the list as an FYI, but Colin decided that would be first thing we look at. I gulped my coffee and we headed out to see the 78 Westy parked in the garage...<br /> <br /> My stomach sank as I imagined us dropping the engine and having no time to get through the rest of my list. I really wanted to hit item #1, “Hesitation, Bucking & Stalling on Acceleration” first to make sure we had time to fix it. The problem has been plaguing my 78 Sage Green bus for over a year and I was worried we might not get to it. Colin wasn’t as worried so we started with the sender unit. He asked me if I understood that we would have to drop the engine for this task. Colin, wondering aloud, then asked if I thought we could replace the sender unit without dropping the tank??? Oh yeah, I had nothing to lose since the fuel gauge wasn’t working anyway. Let’s try it! <br /> <br /> After removing the firewall and surrounding hoses, it wasn’t more than just a few minutes before Colin was able to twist his arm over the top of the tank and remove the sender unit. This was all with the engine still in place. A quick test of the old unit confirmed it was faulty and a few minutes later Colin had the new sender installed and we were putting the firewall back together again. I was amazed and grateful considering we still had the entire day ahead of us. <br /> <br /> We then went through the rest of my 2010 IAC list: <br /> <br /> 1. Hesitation, bucking, & stalling on acceleration <br /> 2. “Humming” from engine compartment <br /> 3. Steering box drip <br /> 4. Confirm alternator belt tension <br /> 5. “Pre-Trip” check <br /> 6. Replace rear shocks <br /> 7. Fuel tank sender unit <br /> <br /> We could now focus on the first item on my list, engine hesitation. Colin asked me what I thought could be causing the problem and we talked over several possibilities. It didn’t take long for Colin to find that the AAR elbow was badly cracked and leaking. I checked the same hose myself last year and I didn’t notice any problems. That was another lesson in why I shouldn’t assume something wasn’t broken because it looked good the last time I inspected it. We weren’t sure if this would fix the problem, but Colin seemed very optimistic. <br /> <br /> We then moved down the rest of the list, adding in a couple extra tasks along the way. This included adjusting the AFM, replacing the rear shocks, identifying the "humming" noise (which turned out to be my new fuel pump), checking the front wheel bearings, lubricating and adjusting the shifter stop plate, pre-trip check, and I’m sure a couple other things were mixed in there. We also squeezed in a little lunch and cookies in the afternoon. During our work, Colin noted a few things I need to do on my own, such as: replacing the front bushing (missing), fill the steering box (leaking), and repack the wheel bearings. Before I knew it we were getting close to the 10 hour mark and it was time to start wrapping up the annual visit. <br /> <br /> Sometime during the day Colin asked me how I liked my Taiga Green Westy. I quickly corrected him and said I loved my Sage Green Westy. Colin again tried to tell me that my bus was Taiga, just like the BobD. I could feel myself perk up as I was about to teach the master about the Sage Green used by VW on the 1978 buses. I have prided myself in the beautiful Sage Green color of my bus. It’s been my favorite since I was a kid and first saw the Campmobiles parked on the Volkswagen lot in the late 70’s. Colin just smiled and asked me to check out the color code on his bus. Tucked behind the driver’s seat was a sticker with the words “taigagrün L-63-H” printed on it. He then walked back to my bus and showed me the same sticker hidden behind the seat. I couldn’t believe it. I was 110% certain I had a Sage Green Westy, but apparently VW thought otherwise when they marked mine as Taigagrün. I still think something is fishy. I’ve seen Sage Green referenced in too many VW printings. <br /> <br /> Thanks for your help Colin and my new Taigagrün bus. The bus is running MUCH better since your visit. I think we made the fuel a little too lean at idle, but I'll fix that. The hesitation issue appears to have been fixed (YEAH). Have a safe journey... <br /> <br /> <strong>Odometer: </strong>46166

VW Transporter T2 Bus - Oil Change - 2.0L Type4 Engine

It is time to change the oil before winter gets here. I've been changing the oil in my 1978 VW Campmobile every six months, or about 1,500-2000 miles. According to the manual, the oil should be changed every 7,500 miles, but I don't drive that much each year. I am trying to be very liberal with the oil changes to keep engine wear to a minimum. I would like to get as many miles as I can with this original Volkswagen 2.0L Type4 engine.

Tools and Supplies I Use:

• Castrol GTX 20W-50 Motor Oil
• Mann/Mahle Oil Filter (021115351A)
• Washer For Oil Drain Plug (N0138492)
• Oil Strainer Gasket Set (021198031B)
• Gumout Carb + Choke Cleaner (7559)
• Craftsman Torque Wrench ft lbs (44596)
• 19mm Socket
• 13mm Socket
• Funnel
• Drain Pan

In order to heat up the oil before I change it, I like to run a short errand for any last minute parts or beer. This time I drove up the street to Pep Boys for the Castrol 20W-50. Once home, I let the bus rest for a few minutes. From under the engine, the drain plug is removed using a 19mm socket. The oil is then drained into a 15qt change pan so it can be recycled. After draining the oil, I removed the oil filter and oil strainer. The oil filter should be able to be removed by hand. The oil strainer is removed using a 13mm socket and cleaned using Gumout Carb + Choke Cleaner. Another tip from Colin that helped; the strainer cover plate can be cleaned with dish soap, to reduce the chance of leaking oil.

After the oil has sufficiently drained, install the drain plug and new washer, and then tighten with a 19mm socket (16 ft lbs). Install the new oil filter (coat rubber seal with oil) and hand tighten. Install the oil strainer with a new gasket set, and then tighten with a 13mm socket (9 ft lbs). Do not over tighten the oil strainer bolt.

I use Castrol GTX 20W-50 motor oil. I tried synthetic for a while, but learned it wasn’t worth the extra cost. Instead, I just change the motor oil on a regular basis. Remove the oil filler cap. Using a funnel, fill the bus with 3.7 quarts (with an oil filter change) or 3.2 quarts (without an oil filter change). Replace the oil filler cap and clean up any oil spills. I will wait a while and then check the oil level. If it looks good, I’ll let the engine run for a bit and then I’ll check the level again. If there aren’t any leaks, it is time to take the bus out.

Odometer: 144620

<a href="http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o256/locoqueso/vw-bus_type4-engine_oil-change.jpg"><img alt="1978 VW Bus Oil Change" border="0" src="http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o256/locoqueso/vw-bus_type4-engine_oil-change.jpg" style="cursor: hand; float: left; height: 143px; margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px; width: 240px;" /></a>It is time to change the oil before winter gets here. I've been changing the oil in my 1978 VW Campmobile every six months, or about 1,500-2000 miles. According to the manual, the oil should be changed every 7,500 miles, but I don't drive that much each year. I am trying to be very liberal with the oil changes to keep engine wear to a minimum. I would like to get as many miles as I can with this original Volkswagen 2.0L Type4 engine.<br /> <br /> <strong>Tools and Supplies I Use:</strong><br /> <ul><li><a href="http://www.castrol.com/castrol/productdetail.do?categoryId=82915464&contentId=6030785" target="_blank">Castrol GTX</a> 20W-50 Motor Oil</li> <li>Mann/Mahle Oil Filter (<a href="http://busdepot.com/details.jsp?partnumber=021115351A" target="_blank">021115351A</a>)</li> <li>Washer For Oil Drain Plug (<a href="http://busdepot.com/details.jsp?partnumber=N0138492" target="_blank">N0138492</a>)</li> <li>Oil Strainer Gasket Set (<a href="http://busdepot.com/details.jsp?partnumber=021198031B" target="_blank">021198031B</a>)</li> <li>Gumout Carb + Choke Cleaner (<a href="http://gumout.com/" target="_blank">7559</a>)</li> <li>Craftsman Torque Wrench ft lbs (<a href="http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00944596000P" target="_blank">44596</a>)</li> <li>19mm Socket</li> <li>13mm Socket</li> <li>Funnel</li> <li>Drain Pan</li> </ul><br /> In order to heat up the oil before I change it, I like to run a short errand for any last minute parts or beer. This time I drove up the street to Pep Boys for the Castrol 20W-50. Once home, I let the bus rest for a few minutes. From under the engine, the drain plug is removed using a 19mm socket. The oil is then drained into a 15qt change pan so it can be recycled. After draining the oil, I removed the oil filter and oil strainer. The oil filter should be able to be removed by hand. The oil strainer is removed using a 13mm socket and cleaned using Gumout Carb + Choke Cleaner. Another tip from Colin that helped; the strainer cover plate can be cleaned with dish soap, to reduce the chance of leaking oil. <br /> <br /> After the oil has sufficiently drained, install the drain plug and new washer, and then tighten with a 19mm socket (16 ft lbs). Install the new oil filter (coat rubber seal with oil) and hand tighten. Install the oil strainer with a new gasket set, and then tighten with a 13mm socket (9 ft lbs). Do not over tighten the oil strainer bolt.<br /> <br /> I use Castrol GTX 20W-50 motor oil. I tried synthetic for a while, but learned it wasn’t worth the extra cost. Instead, I just change the motor oil on a regular basis. Remove the oil filler cap. Using a funnel, fill the bus with 3.7 quarts (<em>with</em> an oil filter change) or 3.2 quarts (<em>without</em> an oil filter change). Replace the oil filler cap and clean up any oil spills. I will wait a while and then check the oil level. If it looks good, I’ll let the engine run for a bit and then I’ll check the level again. If there aren’t any leaks, it is time to take the bus out.<br /> <br /> <strong>Odometer: </strong>144620

Short drive over the weekend (and now a short break)

We took a short drive up near Racine WI on Sunday. Nothing special, just a drive to run some errands. It really felt good to take the bus out and enjoy the day. I really needed to clear my head. I've been very stressed lately. The drive went well, even though I experienced the "hesitation" issue coming home. It only lasted a few seconds and then it was back to normal, and we cruised all the way home.

Odometer: 144608

I've decided to take a break from this site for a few days, or maybe even a couple weeks. One of my cats, Patrick, is very sick and needs a lot of attention. He's now on daily sub-q fluid injections and he doesn't put up with it very well. I've been writing about the cats lately, and I want to focus on them until I'm sure Patrick is doing better. You can read about him, and his two friends at Meezers.com. I'll get back to this site as soon as things slow down.

We took a short drive up near Racine WI on Sunday. Nothing special, just a drive to run some errands. It really felt good to take the bus out and enjoy the day. I really needed to clear my head. I've been very stressed lately. The drive went well, even though I experienced the "hesitation" issue coming home. It only lasted a few seconds and then it was back to normal, and we cruised all the way home.<br /> <br /> <strong>Odometer: </strong>144608<br /> <br /> I've decided to take a break from this site for a few days, or maybe even a couple weeks. One of my cats, Patrick, is very sick and needs a lot of attention. He's now on daily sub-q fluid injections and he doesn't put up with it very well. I've been writing about the cats lately, and I want to focus on them until I'm sure Patrick is doing better. You can read about him, and his two friends at <a href="http://www.meezers.com" target="_blank">Meezers.com</a>. I'll get back to this site as soon as things slow down.

Wilson crashes NIVA's VW Fest 2009!

We met up with some of the local IAC guys for a VW weekend in McHenry County IL. Our first stop was the Merango Ridge campground. I didn't know what to expect from this campground, but I was pleasantly surprised. The hosts were very friendly and accommodating. The camping spots were large and privately spaced apart. Outside of the noise we were making, the place was very quiet. I’d say this is the best campground I’ve seen in northeastern IL, at least so far.

We were the first to arrive around 3pm and had a great spot up front, tucked back into the trees. The other VW campers came driving in over the afternoon. mattg arrived about 10 minutes after we set up. I couldn't see the road, but the sound of the Type IV engine gave him away. We met for the first time and I had a good chance to look over his beautiful 77 Westfalia. Ryno arrived next in his Riviera with his SO, and his friend Chris was driving a custom 84 Westy. chitwnvw came out a little later with his family in the new 75 hardtop camper. Manfred and his GF were there by sunset in the 78.



It was nice to start putting the IAC names to their faces. We had a great time drinking beer around the campfire. We don't get to do this enough. By midnight the party broke up and people settled in for the night. We all planned to get up early in the morning to attend VW Fest, about 20 minutes away in Crystal Lake IL.

We got a early start the next morning. Before I knew it, a couple of the buses pulled out from the campground, so we quickly packed up and hit the road. Anderson VW in Crystal Lake IL hosted VW Fest 2009, and the Northern Illinois Volkswagen Association (NIVA) organized the event. This was the second year we’ve been to this show and it was a nice turn out. The weather was sunny and beautiful. It was a perfect day to surround yourself with VW buses and bugs.

The show had a large selection of vintage Volkswagens, including: Buses, Bugs, Squarebacks, Things, Ghias, Buggys, Rabbits, and a swap meet for spare parts. We walked around the lot a few times, taking pictures and watching the air-cooled cars roll in. I sometimes forget how many VW drivers we have around here, until I visit a show like this. It was a good time to spend with family and friends.

Here are a few more photos from the show:





























Thanks to all the people that shared the weekend with us. It was nice to see old friends and make a few new ones. We had a great time and I'm looking forward to the next event!

Odometer: 144554

<a href="http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o256/locoqueso/DSC04600.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0px 0px 0px 10px; width: 240px; cursor: hand; height: 135px;" src="http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o256/locoqueso/DSC04600.jpg" border="0" alt="Camping at Marengo Ridge in McHenry County IL" /></a>We met up with some of the local IAC guys for a VW weekend in McHenry County IL. Our first stop was the <a href="http://www.mccdistrict.org/web/re-camping.htm" target="blank">Merango Ridge</a> campground. I didn't know what to expect from this campground, but I was pleasantly surprised. The hosts were very friendly and accommodating. The camping spots were large and privately spaced apart. Outside of the noise we were making, the place was very quiet. I’d say this is the best campground I’ve seen in northeastern IL, at least so far. <br /> <br /> <a href="http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o256/locoqueso/DSC04605.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px; width: 240px; cursor: hand; height: 135px;" src="http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o256/locoqueso/DSC04605.jpg" border="0" alt="Ryno's 1972 Riviera and Chris' 1984 Vanagon" /></a>We were the first to arrive around 3pm and had a great spot up front, tucked back into the trees. The other VW campers came driving in over the afternoon. mattg arrived about 10 minutes after we set up. I couldn't see the road, but the sound of the Type IV engine gave him away. We met for the first time and I had a good chance to look over his beautiful 77 Westfalia. Ryno arrived next in his Riviera with his SO, and his friend Chris was driving a custom 84 Westy. chitwnvw came out a little later with his family in the new 75 hardtop camper. Manfred and his GF were there by sunset in the 78.<br /> <center><br /> <a href="http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o256/locoqueso/DSC04591.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px; width: 240px; cursor: hand; height: 135px;" src="http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o256/locoqueso/DSC04591.jpg" border="0" alt="Wilson, the 1978 VW Campmobile by Westfalia" /></a><br /> </center><br /> It was nice to start putting the IAC names to their faces. We had a great time drinking beer around the campfire. We don't get to do this enough. By midnight the party broke up and people settled in for the night. We all planned to get up early in the morning to attend VW Fest, about 20 minutes away in Crystal Lake IL.<br /> <br /> <a href="http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o256/locoqueso/DSC04691.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px; width: 240px; cursor: hand; height: 135px;" src="http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o256/locoqueso/DSC04691.jpg" border="0" alt="Three VW bugs lined up at VW Fest 2009" /></a>We got a early start the next morning. Before I knew it, a couple of the buses pulled out from the campground, so we quickly packed up and hit the road. Anderson VW in Crystal Lake IL hosted <a href="http://www.nivaclub.org/comingevents.html" target="blank">VW Fest 2009</a>, and the Northern Illinois Volkswagen Association (NIVA) organized the event. This was the second year we’ve been to this show and it was a nice turn out. The weather was sunny and beautiful. It was a perfect day to surround yourself with VW buses and bugs.<br /> <br /> <a href="http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o256/locoqueso/DSC04721.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0px 0px 0px 10px; width: 240px; cursor: hand; height: 135px;" src="http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o256/locoqueso/DSC04721.jpg" border="0" alt="Two VW Squarebacks and a 412" /></a>The show had a large selection of vintage Volkswagens, including: Buses, Bugs, Squarebacks, Things, Ghias, Buggys, Rabbits, and a swap meet for spare parts. We walked around the lot a few times, taking pictures and watching the air-cooled cars roll in. I sometimes forget how many VW drivers we have around here, until I visit a show like this. It was a good time to spend with family and friends.<br /> <br /> Here are a few more photos from the show:<br /> <center><br /> <a href="http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o256/locoqueso/DSC04649.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px; width: 240px; cursor: hand; height: 135px;" src="http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o256/locoqueso/DSC04649.jpg" border="0" alt="VW Westy with a trailer" /></a><br /> <br /> <a href="http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o256/locoqueso/DSC04676.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px; width: 240px; cursor: hand; height: 135px;" src="http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o256/locoqueso/DSC04676.jpg" border="0" alt="VW T34 Ghia" /></a><br /> <br /> <a href="http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o256/locoqueso/DSC04738.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px; width: 240px; cursor: hand; height: 135px;" src="http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o256/locoqueso/DSC04738.jpg" border="0" alt="Chris' 1984 VW Vanagon Campmobile" /></a><br /> <br /> <a href="http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o256/locoqueso/DSC04733.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px; width: 240px; cursor: hand; height: 135px;" src="http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o256/locoqueso/DSC04733.jpg" border="0" alt="VW Splitty" /></a><br /> <br /> <a href="http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o256/locoqueso/DSC04639.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px; width: 240px; cursor: hand; height: 135px;" src="http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o256/locoqueso/DSC04639.jpg" border="0" alt="Krusty's VW Double Cab" /></a><br /> <br /> <a href="http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o256/locoqueso/DSC04653.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px; width: 240px; cursor: hand; height: 135px;" src="http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o256/locoqueso/DSC04653.jpg" border="0" alt="VW Double Barndoor" /></a><br /> <br /> <a href="http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o256/locoqueso/DSC04666.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px; width: 240px; cursor: hand; height: 135px;" src="http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o256/locoqueso/DSC04666.jpg" border="0" alt="1970 VW Bug" /></a><br /> <br /> <a href="http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o256/locoqueso/DSC04725.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px; width: 240px; cursor: hand; height: 135px;" src="http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o256/locoqueso/DSC04725.jpg" border="0" alt="Original unrestored 20,000m VW Thing" /></a><br /> <br /> <a href="http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o256/locoqueso/DSC04680.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px; width: 240px; cursor: hand; height: 135px;" src="http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o256/locoqueso/DSC04680.jpg" border="0" alt="Late model VW Bugs" /></a><br /> <br /> <a href="http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o256/locoqueso/DSC04707.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px; width: 240px; cursor: hand; height: 135px;" src="http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o256/locoqueso/DSC04707.jpg" border="0" alt="VW Meyers Manx" /></a><br /> <br /> <a href="http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o256/locoqueso/DSC04761.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px; width: 240px; cursor: hand; height: 135px;" src="http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o256/locoqueso/DSC04761.jpg" border="0" alt="!975 VW Bug" /></a><br /> <br /> <a href="http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o256/locoqueso/DSC04687.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px; width: 240px; cursor: hand; height: 135px;" src="http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o256/locoqueso/DSC04687.jpg" border="0" alt="VW Baywindow panel bus from Goode Plumbing" /></a><br /> <br /> <a href="http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o256/locoqueso/DSC04758.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px; width: 240px; cursor: hand; height: 135px;" src="http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o256/locoqueso/DSC04758.jpg" border="0" alt="VW Karmann Ghia" /></a><br /> <br /> <a href="http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o256/locoqueso/DSC04684.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px; width: 240px; cursor: hand; height: 135px;" src="http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o256/locoqueso/DSC04684.jpg" border="0" alt="VW Baja Bug" /></a><br /> </center><br /> Thanks to all the people that shared the weekend with us. It was nice to see old friends and make a few new ones. We had a great time and I'm looking forward to the next event!<br /> <br /> <strong>Odometer: </strong>144554

Passing on the 71 VW Squareback

I've decided to pass on the 71 VW Squareback I wrote about yesterday. On closer inspection of the photos, it looks like rust is bubbling along the sides. Plus, it was converted to dual carbs. The VW is couple hours away and money is tight, so I have more than enough excuses to let this one go. Kind of makes me sad. I could see a red squareback in the garage to compliment Wilson's sage green. I will still be on the search for a good deal on a rust free Type 3. If nothing else, this has inspired me to save some cash so I’m ready for the next time.

<a href="http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o256/locoqueso/71_squareback_rust.jpg" ><img alt="71 VW Squareback for sale" border="0" src="http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o256/locoqueso/71_squareback_rust.jpg" style="cursor: hand; float: left; height: 143px; margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px; width: 240px;" /></a>I've decided to pass on the 71 VW Squareback I wrote about yesterday. On closer inspection of the photos, it looks like rust is bubbling along the sides. Plus, it was converted to dual carbs. The VW is couple hours away and money is tight, so I have more than enough excuses to let this one go. Kind of makes me sad. I could see a red squareback in the garage to compliment Wilson's sage green. I will still be on the search for a good deal on a rust free Type 3. If nothing else, this has inspired me to save some cash so I’m ready for the next time.

1971 VW Squareback for sale

I found a 1971 VW Squareback for sale yesterday and I've been thinking about it all day. I love the Type 3s and have always liked the Squarebacks above the rest. The ad for this one caught my eye and the price is good ($900 OBO). I don't know if I'll end up with it, but it's fun to plan. We'll see what happens...

<a href="http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o256/locoqueso/71_squareback.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0px 0px 0px 10px; width: 240px; cursor: hand; height: 181px;" src="http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o256/locoqueso/71_squareback.jpg" border="0" alt="1971 VW Squareback" /></a>I found a 1971 VW Squareback for sale yesterday and I've been thinking about it all day. I love the Type 3s and have always liked the Squarebacks above the rest. The ad for this one caught my eye and the price is good ($900 OBO). I don't know if I'll end up with it, but it's fun to plan. We'll see what happens...

Wilson sputters again...

It's official, the hesitation and lunging has returned to this old 78 VW Bus. While driving back from the Chain O’ Lakes State Park on Monday, the bus started hesitating as I drove through the gears. It was an all too familiar feeling. As usual, everything was running perfecting up to this point and then all of a sudden...

...the bus began to rock back and forth as the original 1978, 2.0L FI engine hesitated for a moment, and then repeatedly lunged forward. It happened at about 20mph in 2nd, 35mph in 3rd, and about 55mph in 4th. It occurred after about 75-90 minutes of driving and only lasted about 60 seconds. The problem disappeared as quickly as it came. I first wrote about this problem about a year ago on itinerant-air-cooled.com (IAC) . Until recently, I thought we solved the problem with the recent work on my fuel system. Here are a few of the things fixed in June:

• replaced fuel pump
• replaced fuel lines
• replaced fuel filter
• replaced double relay
• checked fuel tank
• cleaned fuel injectors
• checked timing and dwell

The bus ran fine for the next 7 weeks and 1,000 miles. Since then, I've experienced the "hesitation" on three occasions. Each time it was after 45-90 minutes of driving, so the engine was good and warm. It lasted less than 60 seconds, and then it was back to normal. I've said this before, but I need to read the old replies on IAC to reivew the other possible causes.

I'll post an update as soon as I know my next steps...

Odometer: 144466

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Hv5zEfz_VIo/SqhYMuZ3kyI/AAAAAAAAAI0/EhkijHE6GU0/s1600-h/wilson_vw-campmobile_01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" mq="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Hv5zEfz_VIo/SqhYMuZ3kyI/AAAAAAAAAI0/EhkijHE6GU0/s200/wilson_vw-campmobile_01.jpg" /></a></div>It's official, the hesitation and lunging has returned to this old 78 VW Bus. While driving back from the Chain O’ Lakes State Park on Monday, the bus started hesitating as I drove through the gears. It was an all too familiar feeling. As usual, everything was running perfecting up to this point and then all of a sudden...<br /> <span class="fullpost"><br /> <div>...the bus began to rock back and forth as the original 1978, 2.0L FI engine hesitated for a moment, and then repeatedly lunged forward. It happened at about 20mph in 2nd, 35mph in 3rd, and about 55mph in 4th. It occurred after about 75-90 minutes of driving and only lasted about 60 seconds. The problem disappeared as quickly as it came. I first wrote about this problem about a year ago on <a href="http://www.itinerant-air-cooled.com/viewtopic.php?t=4605" target="blank">itinerant-air-cooled.com (IAC)</a> . Until recently, I thought we solved the problem with the recent work on my fuel system. Here are a few of the things fixed in June:</div><ul><li>replaced fuel pump</li> <li>replaced fuel lines</li> <li>replaced fuel filter</li> <li>replaced double relay</li> <li>checked fuel tank</li> <li>cleaned fuel injectors</li> <li>checked timing and dwell</li> </ul>The bus ran fine for the next 7 weeks and 1,000 miles. Since then, I've experienced the "hesitation" on three occasions. Each time it was after 45-90 minutes of driving, so the engine was good and warm. It lasted less than 60 seconds, and then it was back to normal. I've said this before, but I need to read the old replies on IAC to reivew the other possible causes.<br /> <br /> I'll post an update as soon as I know my next steps...<br /> <br /> <strong>Odometer: </strong>144466<br /> </span>