T25 starts but wont run for long...

[jonnyrobinson]

Hi All

This is my first post here (i hope it is int he right place). I have just purchased a 1984 T25 Petrol camper - I had it delivered as it was far away - I was told in good faith that the van ran fine, but has stood for a while...

Issues...
Starter is slow to turn over (even with good, charged battery/jump leads)
When engine starts it runs and drives happily for about 5 mins, then cuts out
Engine wont then restart for about 5 mins

Checks/Ideas so far...
It may have run out of fuel when I first started - filled with 20lts
Battery swapped with known good unit, fully charged
Air filter cleaned
Top of carb had small amount of gunk in - cleaned
Fuel line checked for flow - seems good
All hoses checked, clips tightened, no splits
Checked oil and topped up water
Called AA - got it running for about 5 mins - he went home

Does anyone have any ideas?

I am planning on popping it into my garage next week, but it would be really helpful to drive it the 8 miles it needs to cover to get there!

You time and ideas are appreciated!

Jon

[Mocki]

hi, welcome

two things spring immediately to mind going solely on your words

1. Fuel pump - if it has been stood dry for ages, diaphram could be split.
2. there is a mesh filter in the carb intake, could be blocked.

we need more info really..... old stale petrol you seem to have ruled out .

what engine is it?
Engine number easy to find, open numberplate flap and peer in past the oil filler and dip stick, and on the bottom of the oil breather tower is a flat area the number is on there. Im guessing it will start either DG or DF .

wont make much difference to this prob, but will help if you add it and any other info you can to your signature on the forum, oh and your location will help if someone could be close to you to help maybe???

[jonnyrobinson]

Hi Steve

Thanks for your super prompt reply!

I will check out both those things tomorrow and get the engine number

I am in Chichester is there is anyone local who wants a look

Many thanks

Jon

[ghost123uk]

Starter is slow to turn over (even with good, charged battery/jump leads)

Hi Jon, re slow turning over = read this page = https://club8090.co.uk/wiki/Al ... t_starting" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; especially the post about half way down titled "From The Brickyard discussion" then click on the links at the bottom of that page for more info.

Re cutting out, does it just suddenly die, or does it lose power and splutter a bit first ?

[dugwiththevwbug]

If 1.9 df unit with solex pict 34 carb check for operation of fuel cut of solenoid as will run on choke but as soon as choke comes of no fuel to primary circuit and thus stall should you need any help check out my signature site I may be able to help as based in angmering regards doug

[dugwiththevwbug]

Ps starter issues good to check earth strap at front end of gearbox remove clean up mounting points to make good contact and refit cures many a slow starter issue

[jonnyrobinson]

Hi All

Thanbks fdor your replies - going to have a quick go now (bit short of time today!)

It runs then loosesd power and dies

Jon

[dave lfc]

easy one to start with,inline fuel filter could be blocked,if you look just behind the front drivers side front wheel its just there about 3ft behind from the front,if its black then i would renew it there only 2 quid from your local motor factors shop

[jonnyrobinson]

Hi All

Many thanks for all your help! After much proding and poking, the camper worked - for 8 whole miles!

Fortunately, those 8 miles were to my garage.

Unfortunately, they have discovered that the 'rebuilt' engine is in an appalling state - petrol flowing into the water system, all seals gone and alot of other damage - the garage are writing a report about the sate of the engine, so hopefully we will be able to get some kind of refund from the seller.

As for the camper, I guess I am going to need a replacement engine - any suggestions?

Thanks

Jon

[BOXY]

petrol flowing into the water system

If that's true it sets a whole new level in engine issues?

[ghost123uk]

- petrol flowing into the water system,

Hi Jon, Yeh, that's just not possible

It may be you have oil in the water and that is pretty serious (usually down to failed wet liner "O" ring seals).

But, if the garage really did say petrol in the water, then walk away from them without saying another word !

If it turns out it does need another engine (and that may be in debate) then a used one off someone on here with a post count of more than say 20 should get you a good used one for between around £300 to £600 (remember though it is still a private sale and Club 80-90 do not get "involved" with private sales) - Personally I would not gamble on ebay. A re-con can be got from Elite ( http://www.elitevw.com/products.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; ) for around £1000 fitted. Most folk say they are happy with Elite engines.

Let us know what this report from the garage says

[sarran1955]

Hi All

Many thanks for all your help! After much proding and poking, the camper worked - for 8 whole miles!

Fortunately, those 8 miles were to my garage.

Unfortunately, they have discovered that the 'rebuilt' engine is in an appalling state - petrol flowing into the water system, all seals gone and alot of other damage - the garage are writing a report about the sate of the engine, so hopefully we will be able to get some kind of refund from the seller.

As for the camper, I guess I am going to need a replacement engine - any suggestions?

Thanks

Jon

Hello,

Wait for their report, and then remove the vehicle.

I will be most interested to see how they propose water/petrol contamination.

Even if there are seal issues, not uncommon, you have not mentioned leaks or over heating.

If it can run 8 miles. then there can't be too much wrong with the motor set up.

Faults that appear like that when the engine is up to temp, would indicate an inlet air leak, or perhaps a gremlin in the coil.

What sort of ignition system.do you have

A source of slow starter motor is sometimes the 'oilite' bronze bearing. in the gearbox casing. Not a big job, and inexpensive.

Don't start throwing money at the thing just yet.

Cordialement,



Photos would help.

[Mocki]

Petrol in the coolant isn't impossible!
There is coolant to the carb and the fuel pump can inject petrol into the oil, which in turn can flow into the coolant, it's unusual, but not impossible!

But don't condemn it yet.
if the mechanic looking at it isn't as old as the van, be very wary !

[sarran1955]

if the mechanic looking at it isn't as old as the van, be very wary !

Cordialement,

[jonnyrobinson]

Hi All

Again, thank you for all the replies!

The guy who is working on it has done many, and he seems to now what he is doing!

The engine, on the way to the garage, gave up completely. The mechanic has given it a good going over - both head gaskets had gone, oil was coming up into the carb, lots of water everywhere and very poor workmanship (from a previous owner). As my Dad took the call, I am yet to hear the full report but the man did say it was beyond reasonable repair. I am now getting another engine fitted, which is known to be good. It also comes with a 3 month warranty (parts and labor) so there is some protection if it is a dud.

As i have been super busy at work, i have not checked this forum until today - i wish i had! However, the engine and work is expected to be a bit less than £1000, which i feel is worth it, i really like the van!

I will post a full report when i know more - next week sometime

Thanks

Jon