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Re: How can I make my van faster up hills/ motorway ?
Posted: 21 May 2013, 19:41
by kevtherev
sternal wrote:Okay this post id going on a bit now (i can write that since I started it !)
1.If I change the rotor arm for a non governed one would/could this make any difference to speed ? Ie get to 65mph for overtaking
2.if its non governed and the revs go over 5400 rpm this cant be good for the engine ? 4 speed though !
3.if I change it will the engine need to be retimed ?
If these questions could be answered then I can lay this post to rest (for a while) !
(i know carbs might/should need a tune)
I thank you

1. no
2. no it isn't
3. has already been answered
BOXY wrote: You wouldn't need to re-time the engine because the firing point wouldn't change.
.
Re: How can I make my van faster up hills/ motorway ?
Posted: 21 May 2013, 19:45
by jason k
Whatever rotor arm you fit it won't make your motor faster nor will it need re timing.
You won't rev it past 5400 in gears, your ears will give in first!!
Go seek out a decent recommended garage who's up on these type 4 motors.
Most haven't a clue as you've seen today.
Re: How can I make my van faster up hills/ motorway ?
Posted: 21 May 2013, 19:47
by jason k
Beat me to it kev!!
Re: How can I make my van faster up hills/ motorway ?
Posted: 21 May 2013, 19:48
by kevtherev
hey up mate
Re: How can I make my van faster up hills/ motorway ?
Posted: 21 May 2013, 19:56
by sarran1955
Hello,
Just been reading through the thread....
Rule 1: if it is still running....Don't PANIC
Rule 2: While there is poetry in a VW air cooled... there is very little magic...
Before:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4qayyc9Z4E0" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
After:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dsfo5ATgBp0" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Budget in bits....second hand SVDA distributor , coil, bits... say 50€
I havn't seen any one asking for compressions and oil pressure..
Ho Hum..
CU engine on my work bench... video to follow...
Cordialement,

Re: How can I make my van faster up hills/ motorway ?
Posted: 21 May 2013, 20:17
by ladybird
Fantastic videos
love the finger click at the end
keep that woman on her toes
Re: How can I make my van faster up hills/ motorway ?
Posted: 21 May 2013, 20:48
by sternal
compression fine apparently
If anyone can reccomend me someone then great Im in North London
Re: How can I make my van faster up hills/ motorway ?
Posted: 22 May 2013, 09:09
by shepster
Aidan wrote:check the gearbox code, you might have the 1.6 gearbox in there or worse one of the early diesel boxes, cu with correct box should be a bit quicker than you are finding if the engine is in good health
Has this been done yet? suggested on page 1, get under and and have a look for numbers/letters.
http://www.brick-yard.co.uk/VehicleSpec ... fo/gbx.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Re: How can I make my van faster up hills/ motorway ?
Posted: 22 May 2013, 09:15
by shepster
sternal wrote:compression fine apparently
How do you know, what were the readings?
Re: How can I make my van faster up hills/ motorway ?
Posted: 22 May 2013, 10:32
by Ralf85
sternal wrote:compression fine apparently
If anyone can reccomend me someone then great Im in North London
So which garage did you just take it to?

Re: How can I make my van faster up hills/ motorway ?
Posted: 22 May 2013, 13:48
by sternal
gotta be carful of slander
they are a VW air specialist in N London !
Changed spark plugs, distributer cab and rotary arm on my lunch hour. Old sparks where black ! (running to rich)
as to the compression readings to the post below no idea I'm going on previous owners word... but will get it checked after the bank holiday.
Re: How can I make my van faster up hills/ motorway ?
Posted: 22 May 2013, 15:26
by shepster
SO WHAT WERE THE READINGS?
Re: How can I make my van faster up hills/ motorway ?
Posted: 22 May 2013, 18:39
by sternal
I dont know the readings sorry ! Will do next week when I get it done
UPdate
I went to my mechanic today who Ive used for years he spent a good hour with me he didnt do a compression test (will do next week, he thinks it doesnt need it)
He did check the timing and it was 4 degrees before top dead centre (haynes says 7.5) but that was before the days of unleaded petrol so he says thats about right.
What he did notice was that the big air pipe that comes off the air filter box was pretty much none existent (the pipe that should lead to the right air vent) he said the carbs need air not stale hot air to work.He has put some pipe there and I will see if it makes any difference on the weekend.
I also changed the sparks, distributor cap & rotary arm.
Fingers crossed
Re: How can I make my van faster up hills/ motorway ?
Posted: 22 May 2013, 18:51
by BOXY
Haynes says 4-6' ATDC with the vac tubes connected. So if your timing is 4' BTDC with the vac retard attached you're at least 10' out. It would have been more useful if the spanner monkey had checked what the timing is advancing to as the revs increase. My money is on the ignition not advancing beyond 15' because the mech advance is stuck.
You could try posting a separate question on how an electric fuel pump should be installed. I've never seen on in the engine bay before? It seems odd to have it higher than the tank and so far from it.
Re: How can I make my van faster up hills/ motorway ?
Posted: 22 May 2013, 18:58
by sternal
to be honest all this degrees stuff means nothing to me !
Wanted Air cooled specialist that is in NORTH LONDON ! I have spoken to a few and they all sound money grabbing carb tune up £200 or £60 an hour it will take 4 hours etc !
