Van losing power...new to all this but trying hard :)

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frinnyprincess
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Van losing power...new to all this but trying hard :)

Post by frinnyprincess »

Back ground... '82 air cooled 2.0ltr bus....been sat for 12 months prior to me buying...currently my daily driver

So the bus has been running lovely for the last 4months but coming home from my mums last Sunday she started to struggle.

Came down onto the mway fine got to about 50, foot flat to the floor, sudden decrease in power she managed to maintain 30 (changed down gears, didn't help) pulled off at junction to stop but as I released the accelorater power resumed so we plodded on back the road way until we came up a long hill (one we do often with no issues) about 3/4's of the way up..,again foot to the floor power loss again limped her up the hill released accelorater power resumed.

driven her a few times in the week with gentle driving with no issues until last night coming home from work serious loss of power had to put foot right to the floor to get anywhere near 30

Feels like I'm driving with the breaks on :(
Any ideas greatly appreciated as I am a total newbie

Katherine

California Dreamin
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Re: Van losing power...new to all this but trying hard :)

Post by California Dreamin »

Likely causes:
Air filter blocked
Fuel filter blocked
Gauze filter in the carburetor blocked (not sure of the arrangement on a AC)
Other fuel blockage (due to tank corrosion or water ingress)
Ignition system breaking down...something getting hot.


Martin
1989 California 2.1MV

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CovKid
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Re: Van losing power...new to all this but trying hard :)

Post by CovKid »

Any of those plus (possibly) fuel pump unable to keep up with large throttle openings anymore. Try the above first. If it turns out to be pump, I think the only option is an electric one as I gather the mech ones on the 2ltr Aircooled are either obsolete now or silly money. Search for 'Facet' on here if you end up going electric.

Come back if you're struggling.
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frinnyprincess
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Re: Van losing power...new to all this but trying hard :)

Post by frinnyprincess »

Thanks so much for the responses I was going with something along those lines

Have looked at air and fuel filters both look to be ok

Have more time to look at her Tomorrow so will check for heat... I think the coil is pretty old so have ordered new and new rotor arm too as that's starting to wear

Pipes all look ok

Gauze filter? (Time to get Haynes out lol)

The other thing I have noticed is a smell almost like bacon? but I don't know if that's irrelavant or something to do with my odd heating system....a whole other story.

Thanks again..will come back tomorrow I'm sure with more questions :)

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edoh
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Re: Van losing power...new to all this but trying hard :)

Post by edoh »

hello there - hope your managing to work through these helpful suggestions -
fuel filter - a good bet - no water in it? clean looking? worth a good check -
if water getting into fuel tank - will show in filter - and would effect power of van -
other filter (on water cooled carbs) - in link below -
good luck -
https://club8090.co.uk/wiki/Fu ... -_Pierburg" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Owner of a red T25 fixed hi top campervan - colour - spikey red - petrol - water cooled - 1.9 dg engine rhd - 1990 g reg n still going strong!-

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kevtherev
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Re: Van losing power...new to all this but trying hard :)

Post by kevtherev »

filters?
There should only be one fuel filter next to the tank :ok
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edoh
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Re: Van losing power...new to all this but trying hard :)

Post by edoh »

too true.......
but the number of vans out there - with this unnecessary / dangerous / 'mod' - :shock:
Owner of a red T25 fixed hi top campervan - colour - spikey red - petrol - water cooled - 1.9 dg engine rhd - 1990 g reg n still going strong!-

frinnyprincess
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Re: Van losing power...new to all this but trying hard :)

Post by frinnyprincess »

Right you lovely lot little update have changed coil and rotor arm...made a small difference but not solved the problem....I have a fuel pump on its way due to be fitted next week however...when my man was under the bus he noticed there is a fuel cut off valve...yet neither of us can find this part in any Haynes or online search is this supposed to be there? Is it something previous owner has put in...he tried to fit an eberspacher.... Could this be causing me issues...should I get it taken out lol
Sooooooo many questions :)

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