Sluggish performance - any cures ?

[artl2377]

Hi all,
Great forum this is !!
We have just become the (proud) owners of a T25, which we intend to do up a bit – but wont go too mad on the plastic – BWHAHAHAH – yeah right its burning a hole in my pocket already – WAY too many ace pix of campers to drool over.
I digress: When we bought it they guy was very honest, he has had some work done over the last 2 years, but he van is sluggish, he suspects that the engine may be on the way out [he did not elaborate and I did not ask]
Question: what can we do to perk up the performance ? thinking in terms of upgrade carb to 2X Webbers, points plugs HT Leads distro and so on.

..and finally if it comes to it, advise on an engine swap – pref to a diesel ?
T25 Transporter 78P
Engine: 1915 petrol
Gear: Manual
Year: 84
Conversion – don’t know

Thanks in advance

[Fritz]

Arti, first of all unless your van is fitted with a 2.2 Subaru motor or any of the Audi 5 cylinder options you may have the best thing VW ever had to offer.......

These vans are pi$$ poor on acceleration/fuel consumption/braking /handling etc etc so untill you get to have a ride in another van, you might just own the best one VW ever made.....


If you are not happy with the performance and fuel consumption of the Wasserboxer then the best option has to be the 1Y Diesel taken from the later versions of the VW Golf and Seat........

Regards


Fritz,,,,,,,,,,,

[HarryMann]

thinking in terms of upgrade carb to 2X Webbers,

Naaah!

FIrst, before anything, get a proper mechanic (or yeself) to start from sqaure one and end at square [end]

that is, check the engine is running as good as 1.9 DG? can..

Take compressions (always 1st job, record them properly (Psi or bar for each cylinder, warm/hot)

Get ignition thoroughly checked (not re-timed, but checked advancing properly and all vacuum adv and retard mechanisms proeprly connected and workinga s they should >>> requires 'proper' skilled mechanic)

Fuel & air filters checked/changed and then carb mixture approx in right region, not obviously weak or too rich

Exahust not blowing nor cheap crap one

Check its definitely a DG (DFs won't go that well) DGs can go quite well

Then: is it extra heavy (scrapyard weighbridge), tyres flat, rear brakes binding etc?

================================

If all OK and you still think it's slow, then at least you have a starting point

But don't go playing with carb changes or even thinking of it until you know where you stand with the basic engine condition.

Diesel is fairly big change, but if its performance you want it'll have to be a tuned 1.9 TD or a TDi, but really the Subaru 2.2 or 2.5 is the one (doesn't require an expensive g/box ratio change, as it revs higher easily).. All expensive, pretty well one way or another, time or money...

Enjoy your van for a while anyway, get to know it, change gear deliberately and carefully and remember it weighs about 2 tons or more. Drive it like a lorry, it has a lot more inertia than a car, straight ahead or when changing direction, or slowing down and a lot more airdrag.

PS. A 'good' 1.9 DG pulls a full camper remarkably well IMHO, for a 1900cc engine. I imagine a bad one or an old DF would be pretty tiresome

[maxstu]

Hi Art,

And welcome to the club

As Fritz says really.

If you're running a 1900 watercooler then a certain 'adjustment' is required. Get bores compression tested,and if good results have her serviced then embrace this philosophy..."it's not the destination but the journey that counts".

Now get out and camp.

No more advice 'til we see pictures. We love pics

[maxstu]

Pipped at the post by the venerable HarryMann!

[eatcustard]

If you dont want to go to the expense of Scooby power
Get a 2.1 WBX in the back it 112BHP and make a big difference to performance, and fuel economy.


You could put firework rockets to the back and light them when you need extra boost

[toomanytoys]

Welcome, first off, can you fill out a location in your profile so we know where in the country you might be...

bloody good service and set up is whats needed by someone that knows these vehicles...

The 1.9 DG isnt a bad little engine and goes reasonably well.. but lots of things can dent the performance.. so thats why someone with good knowledge of them is required...

[artl2377]

All thanks for the swift replies and indeed encouraging thoughts. I did not what to change the engine. I have taken it for a longish drive and it does seem sound, and (apart from the lack of pwer steering) is nippier BWHAHAHA than our Pajero.

Agreed that the journey is part of the experience !!

I live in south Yorks - anybody know of a clued up VW mech in the area

cheers again !!

PS: Pics hmm well he is a bit tatty inside at the moment, but Mrs artl2377 as beaten me to the burning card and has embarked on a plan .... watch this space.

[HarryMann]

Yes, PM'd you