Potential T25 owner seeks advice

[hughzt]

Hi everybody, this is my first posting so I guess I ought to introduce myself. My name is Hugh and I'm a 50-something classic car nut who is in the process of seeking a decent T25 to help me fulfill my dream of spending more time out walking and camping in comfort.

I went to see a 1986 Caravel GL with a 2.1L petrol engine today that's had lots of money spent on it to convert it into a great camper van. Like any older vehicle it has some issues, most of which I could sort out myself, but as an experienced Triumph man (Vitesse and currently TR6) I'm a complete newbie when it comes to Volkswagens. The main problem with this van is a rather rattly engine - the noise seems to be coming from just one tappet and the vendor has promised to fix this for when I view and test drive it on a second visit. What I could do with is some advice about any other potential sources of rattles in these vans, and anything else I could check on the engine. The body is very solid, although the silver paint is flawed in several areas, and a couple of the seems a are just starting to crack slightly.

One other engine-related issue is some oil staining down the breather tower (see attached) - worn valve guides? or just needs cleaning?

[kevtherev]

If the engine has not been started for a while, or ran up for a few minutes then the hydraulic lifters drain down.
This causes a horrendous noise, but not damaging to the valve head as long as it doesn't continue for long.
A good drive out really using the gears for 20 mins or so should quieten it or them down.
An oil & filter change is recommended, I use 20w/50 or 15w/40 mineral.

This might not occur again if the van is used regularly

The tower would benefit from a clean up and the pipe work checked for leaks at the join to the tower.
The tower itself is sealed
We have a wikipedia for our beloved old ladies and you might want to read this

https://club8090.co.uk/wiki/Ma ... e_Owner.3F" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Welcome to the forum.

[CovKid]

Beyond that this is fun meccano land. The big advantage is working with all metric spanners so you won't need such a broad toolkit and even if you do need something a bit bigger than you anticipated, another member will often be willing to lend any specialist tool.

Theres a great WIKI section on here which has taken years to build up. You'll find it invaluable.

For the real fun part of T25 ownership, try:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y2YJGH2Cfzk" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Qv7HWXpx0g" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Just buy it Hugh - looks well looked after. Bubbling isn't uncommon and shouldn't hold you up from enjoying it. You'll be like the rest of us 50+ lot who wouldn't swap for the world....

[hally75]

if i leave my van for more than 4-5 days i sometimes get the noisy tappet as the oil has drained out as Kev mentioned. The noise is more of a "clack clack clack" than a rattle though.
Did the owner explain what the noise was? If you view the van again, check if the engine is warm.. he may have taken it for a drive to quieten down the tappet once the hydralic lifters have filled with oil again... which is fine as long as he is honest with you, rather than saying he fitted new parts etc..

[hughzt]

Thanks for all your responses. Having also rummaged in the wiki I'm now aware of "hydraulic drain-down" (hey I'm picking up the jargon already!)

The van has been unused since December, so it's quite likely that it just needs a good warm up - armed with this knowledge I'll take it for a good run and see if the noises go away. All being well I'll be a new owner in a week or so

[ghost123uk]

Hi Hugh, and a welcome on in from John & Gill in S.Cheshire

Hopefully it is just a drained down tappet (very common) but it should be noted that unlike many classic vehicles (I own some too) the engine on a T25 is one of the least important things to worry about when buying one. Not saying "ignore it" of course, but bodywork (rust) is likely to be the biggest expenditure after your purchase, then the interior (if ropey on purchase), then the engine and box (both about £1000 each).

I am only <40 miles from you so if you ever need first hand help, just shout out. The "club" members often organise weekends away etc and I can tell you they are usually great fun

Looks like a nice van by the way

[hughzt]

Thanks John that's reassuring about the engine and thanks for the offer of support. I chose this van because the bodywork and inerior looked good. Whilst the paintwork is a little faded in some areas, there's very little rust. The inerior is by calypso and is I excellent condition. If I go ahead with this van I'll post some more pics ASAP.

[lees]

Hi Hugh
Welcome i am only in Flixton by no means an expert on T25's but have done quite a bit on mine over the last 18 months engine, gearbox, body work, brakes and interior, if i can help in any way shout up
Cheers Lee