Auto Box...any good??

[paulypaul]

I'm new to this forum, but not new to Vw's (already have a 63 bus and a T5 sportline) but am new to the T25/T3 bus. I have seen a smart looking bus with a 2.1 engine and auto box. The autobox is the only thing I'm not sure about. The bus is an 86 and has done a genuine 46k miles.
Can anyone tell me if these automatics should be avoided and whether the engine is a good lump. My only dealing with a 2.1 engine was when Laurie Pettit was going to build me an engine using a 2.1 crank conversion for our Aircooled T1 based engine, so I am totally green about all of this. Any help would be appreciated.
Thanks, Paul

[rattybird]

2.1's are good engines longs they have regualr oil changes and filter changes , gosh makes me laugh i have not seen laurie in 5 yrs when i used to work for kingfisher kustoms

[paulypaul]

Laurie is certainly a character, although he knows his stuff. What are the automatics like, any idea??

[kentishvanman]

Hi,
I've had an auto for years and wouldn't swap it. Last time I checked I was getting 27mpg on petrol. At the moment I am fine tuning to see how much I get on lpg. I have a 1.9DG engine
The auto boxes are supposed to be a better box than the manuals and have a long life.
If they do go wrong then you can't just use your local garage to sort it out although I would think most main vw garages could probably cope.
Worth looking at the www.go westy.com [/color]site and their comments about auto boxes and oil coolers.
Hope this helps.
Don

[paulypaul]

Thanks Don, thats very helpfull.
Paul

[vanwesty]

Hi got two 2.1 autos ones a crewcab had from new done 125,000 miles pulling a plant trailer around the hills of Devon with no problems,other is a westy will cruise at 70 alladay up the moterway best gearbox VW made.

[paulypaul]

Hi got two 2.1 autos ones a crewcab had from new done 125,000 miles pulling a plant trailer around the hills of Devon with no problems,other is a westy will cruise at 70 alladay up the moterway best gearbox VW made.

Looks like I dont have to worry about the gearbox then. Anything in particular I should look for when viewing a 1986/87 2.1 injection....?

[matt]

check the fluid level on the box, with the engine running ,warmed up at tick over
check the themostat housing for signs of leaks
use the condition of the zorst as bargaing power