Slow top speed and struggling on hills

[Brownbetty]

Bought a 1982 2.0 Aircooled last week which is a part completed project. All the undercarriage, steering, springs etc has been renewed. LOads of new stuff on the engine, alternator,distributor, all electrics new. Complete new fuel line including filters etc.

Trouble is although it sounds lovely it can't get above 55 no matter how hard I try and even the slightest hill slows me right down to the extent that I am ending up in first or second gear by top of most hills.

It is going in for a compression test tomorrow. If compression test is okay it's a service and getting the twin carbs set up but in all honesty the engine seems to be running smoothly at the moment and the garage chap didn't think the balance was out at all.

So a couple of questions

What PSI am I looking for, (praying for) on a compression test?
And
Looking at the fuel line it seems completely different to my last van which was a petrol watercooled flat four. Could the fuel line cause these symptoms if it's been set up wrong?

Any help appreciated

[ajsimmo]

Have you checked the throttle cable adjustment?
Had this in the past, same symptoms on a customers van. Simple fix. Undo the pinch/grub screw at the carb end and take out the slack and tighten up again.

[Brownbetty]

There was a fair bit of slack in the cable (1cm)which I've taken up and took her out for a spin. Top end is better but still struggling on hills.There is a lack of long straight flat roads around here so until I get her on a dual carraige way it's difficult to see how much better top speed is. I'll see what the compression test brings and take it from there.

Thanks for the tip.

[faggie]

sent you a pm brown betty

[Brownbetty]

Getting sorted. Compression test came back okay. Mechanic has set up timing and hand set twin carbs. Top speeed is now over 70 and pulls up hills easily. Getting the carbs balanced on Friday so hopefully even better then.

Considering the van had previously been set up by a "VW Expert" it's amazing what the right person can achieve.

Thanks for all the help

[sarran1955]

Hello,

Perhaps this may be of help,

Here is part 1: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4qayyc9Z4E0" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

You'll find part 2 on the same page.

Cordialement.

[Hendrixevo147]

Hi mate, my van seems to have a very similar problem to yours and it's a 2 L 1982 Air Cooled van ex Danbury conversion but not original interior. As your in Shropshire, can I ask where you
Took your van to have the compression test and carb set up?
However my first priority is a new gearbox as my third gear went last week, got to sort that first.
Any help would be appreciated.
Thanks
Pete

[jason k]

go see steve at http://www.gasure.co.uk" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;