T25 1986 automatic gearbox problem

[LittleNik]

Hi, we have a T25 1986 campervan with an automatic gearbox (2.1 litre engine, unleaded - don't know if that's relevant). Bought 12 months ago from one careful owner who had clearly loved it since new but is now in his 80's. It's a great van and we drove it home from London to Liverpool with no issues and have had a few weekends away a bit closer to home. No major issues since. We've spent quite a bit updating the interior as it had sat outside the previous owner's home and not been used regularly so needed a bit of TLC. Passed its MOT in February.

Driving home from Wales it suddenly started making a horrible noise which seemed to be coming from underneath the front of the van. The noise was not as loud when the van was moving but when we stopped or went into neutral it was awful. Took it to a friend who is a mechanic and he thought it was a gearbox issue but he doesn't have the facility to lift the van to see underneath properly. He did say that it was obviously changing through the gears as we drove it home and then to his garage the next day. The noise did seem to be getting worse though each time we drove it.

Another local mechanic looked underneath as a favour and when we went back to collect it his boss said the van was 'very sick' and had 'extensive welding' underneath. He was a real doom merchant and told us he didn't think it was worth our while trying to repair it, we should sell it as a project to someone who knows what they're doing (clearly we don't!) as it would not be financially viable. We're devastated. He wasn't clear when we asked if we would need a new gearbox, just said that the gearbox casing had been welded and this was now cracked. The mechanic said it's not the sort of work they do as they're mainly an MOT garage so don't have the time.

We don't want to give up on it as we've invested too much already and it's a great camper. We don't have a huge amount of spare cash though. Has anybody experienced similar? Could it just be a casing issue and if so what do we do about it? What parts would we need and from where? The only VW specialist mechanic nearby has awful reviews online, people saying they were ripped off. Really don't know where to go from here. Any help greatly received. Thanks!

[R0B]

If the casing has cracked, then you would be better off trying to source another box. They are hard to get hold of nowadays. You could try putting an ad on here and asking on farcebook I suppose. A rebuild will set you back a few grand If it turns out not to be cracked.

[maxstu]

Crikey! That's a lot for you to take in.
Firstly, if noise is coming from front of camper, why suspect it's the gearbox causing issue. That's in the back. Casings' do crack along the mounting hole castings. I have a crack in my camper's final drive casing. It has been the same for years and doesn't affect the performance.
Best ask a nearby club member to have a look.
Whereabouts are you?

[R0B]

I think they are in Liverpool.

[Robsey]

I am assuming in the Liveroool area.

It is hard to say what it would be, but the only way I can see a gearbox noise being heard from the front is possible vibration through the gear linkage.

I would hope it is something more mundane like something rubbing on the bodywork.

[maxstu]

I am assuming in the Liveroool area.

It is hard to say what it would be, but the only way I can see a gearbox noise being heard from the front is possible vibration through the gear linkage.

I would hope it is something more mundane like something rubbing on the bodywork.

Good spot. Liverpool.
I guess a video or some photos may help.

[LittleNik]

Thank you all so much for your replies. My husband was driving and he said he felt the sound was coming from underneath where he was. To be honest, I just felt the sound was from underneath the van in general, it was really loud. I am wondering if it is vibration/rattling that's causing it and I guess that would make sense if it is so cracked?

So, if it is just the casing then we can replace that alone (if we can source one )? Yes, we are in Liverpool, can anyone suggest someone knowledgeable who could look at it for us please? We'll try to get some photos and I'll post them if we do. I'm really holding out for it being something simpler than what they're suggesting , the second mechanic has struck fear with his comments! Thanks again for your suggestions. We are totally in the dark!

[Aidan]

Which VW specialist have you seen bad reviews about ? 81a ?
Wherabouts in Liverpool are you ?

[silverbullet]

If it passed its MOT in February it can't be that bad.

Rolling noise could be any of the wheel bearings: fronts get overtightened by unknowing mechanics who have only ever seen front wheel drive vehicles.
Needs checking as a matter of urgency because failure can be catastrophic.

Speedo cable flailing about? Its driven by the nearside front wheel.

Fan shroud cracked? This allows the motor to drop and the blades to clip the shroud, makes a hell of a racket.

[LittleNik]

Thanks, lots of things you've mentioned that we (as novices) don't know about so I'll look into these. I felt the same about the MOT too - surely if things are as bad as the second mechanic suggested this would have been picked up in the MOT?
We're in the L18 postcode. The garage with questionable reviews that specialises in campers is in St Helens. We've now been recommended a mechanic in Tarbock Rd (Huyton) and a VW garage in Southport. Any other suggestions?
Thanks again everyone!

[Dueller]

If it passed its MOT in February it can't be that bad.

Rolling noise could be any of the wheel bearings: fronts get overtightened by unknowing mechanics who have only ever seen front wheel drive vehicles.
Needs checking as a matter of urgency because failure can be catastrophic.

Speedo cable flailing about? Its driven by the nearside front wheel.

Fan shroud cracked? This allows the motor to drop and the blades to clip the shroud, makes a hell of a racket.

Well said bud, the MOT isn't that long ago

Yep all of the above, my fan shroud is like this but I kinda like it so I know when the fans on

Also a regular garage doesn't really understand welding and keeping an older vehicle on the road, their idea of an old car is 10 years old

Find someone else to look at it that does these vans

[LittleNik]

Thanks! I'm feeling a bit more positive today and your replies have all really helped. I reckon you're definitely right about regular garages not appreciating our lovely old vehicles! Going to try to get some photos of the underneath this week. Thanks again

[LittleNik]

I have a video of the underside of the van with the engine running! How do I upload it please? Thanks

[R0B]

I think you will have to upload it to youtube first.

[LittleNik]

[youtube]https://youtube.com/shorts/rwi-r6OCClo? ... UCylSU2YnK[/youtube]
Here's the video of the underneath of our van with the engine running (hopefully it's uploaded okay ). We're grateful of any comments or advice. Thanks