1981 1.6 petrol Aircooled - cylinder head and therm advice

[Matt.D]

Hi guys,

I feel a bit cheeky joining and immediately seeking advice! I've tried a few searches on the forum for information on spotting defects on 1.6 Petrol Aircooled engines and so far have found the guides on Wiki section of the board.

I'm going to view a 1981 T25 this weekend which supposedly has a recon engine fitted to it. I'm a complete engine novice and a tad worried I might be walking into a situation where I get my mits burnt. The wiki section has so far proved to be very informative, but I'd like to ask some of our resident experts for a bit more clarity on a couple of points.

In the first time buyers guide, under the section relating to engines, it's says about the 1.6ltr Petrol, Aircooled -

"Loosely based around the type 1 VW engine with added hydraulic tappets, removable spin on type oil filter, cooling fan on end of crank. Very under powered at 50hp, but quite economical. Watch out for cracked cylinder heads as these thing eat them, make sure thermostat is opening as if it isn't then your looking at a cooked engine."

My questions are - how do I spot a cracked cylinder head? and where do I look n the engine to see where the thermostat is? I suppose what I'm really after is a labelled diagram of those two parts of the engine and perhaps a second image of what a cracked cylinder head looks like.

Sorry for sounding a bit dumb

Any help will be greatly appreciated!

Regards,

Matt[/quote]

[toomanytoys]

Not cheeky at all... just good sense to do research before you buy.. lots havent..

You cant see a cracked head... as its under all the tinware..
Important bit is who did the rebiuld and what parts were used in it... there are rebiulds and rebiulds.. taking an engine apart and putting it back together with a gasket kit could be termed a rebiuld... (and there has been a few like that and worse!!) A reciept from a reputable engine co.. or wad of receipts for parts...
Thermostat is a concertina shaped device under the engine which controls the airflow over the engine, these usually fail and are removed.. the unit if it fails, fails safe, ie it allows the max amount of air over the engine...

My advise.. whats the general condition of the body and interior like.. whats the condition underneath...
then does the engine look tidy, is all the tin and screws back in place and most importantly the sealing rubber between the engine and engine bay..
does it start and run easy and smooth.. dont expect it to win any drag races, they are slow.... and even slower when in a fully fitted camper..

If the price is reasonable and the bodywork is good and cared for, then the mechanicals can be replaced..

[mearnsy]

Matt, i bought my 1980 Viking 1600 last year for £2k, bargain. It is underpowered especially fully loaded with camping stuff and wife and 3 kids but it gets there in the end.

Mine has been fine apart from a driveshaft problem, easily sorted and a blocked jet in the carb. Just replaced rocker gasket as oil was leaking onto the heat exchanger.

As toomanytoys said, you wont win drag races but will enjoy cruising to the beach.

Good luck

David