Club 80-90 Forums

I wasn’t sure where to post this so apologies if it’s in the wrong location.

I’m a new owner & after building up some confidence locally took the boy out for a good long drive yesterday & loved every minute. He drove beautifully BUT I was quite alarmed at the loss of power/reduction in speed when hitting any kind of incline let alone hills. I’ve read lots of posts about this so believed my expectations were realistic but I was a tad nervous when dropping down to 20-25mph on a major A road.. had to switch to hazards in fear! (What is the etiquette required here? Lol)

So now I’m curious if I have a problem & need some advice. My foot was pretty much to the floor & topped out at 50mph reducing to 20-25 on inclines between 3-8%. I’m running the original solex carbs & it’s freshly fully serviced by a reputable VW classic garage, new distributer, plugs, filter etc & as I say running lovely.

So after doing lots of reading i know I'm not the first with this conundrum, the way I see it I have 3 options:

1. Expected performance so just smile & drive.
2. Investigate performance issues, going against the ‘if it ain’t broke don’t touch it’ mantra.
3. Replace carbs with Webers (this is the option the garage implied i may have to take if I ever get carb related issues (flat spots etc)

We had plans of hitting Cornwall this year but I’m not sure I’d fancy that in its current state so although not a big deal it is limiting some adventures.

Interested in anyone’s thoughts of the best approach to take.

Thanks

Hello,

A 2litre CU in good form produces about 70 bhp.

This should give adequate performance in all road conditions, with a top speed on the flat approaching 70mph

Check timing and compressions when hot.

Cordialement,

How heavy is the bus? Did you change down a gear or two? All VW flat fours are happiest when above 2500rpm, it's not a modern Tdi that will chug along at sub1800rpm and still make meaningful torque

That would suggest he’s not in good form then
The garage compression test came back with all 4 cylinders at 125psi so they said no concerns.

It was only loaded with a couple of passengers so not heavy at all in comparison to what I’d like to carry when we get away. I guess around 2T??

I am curious if this is a me problem as I am guilty of driving it like I don’t want to hurt it (please don’t shoot me down) But the revs were defo well over 2500rpm when the power started to drain.

Hello,

125 psi is ok but not great.
What petrol are you using?? (98RON, no alcohol)
What is the ignition timing angle at tickover and at 3200 rpm??. (10 and 28°)
How hot is the dipstick after a good run??  ( Touch test.. hot but not hurty)
Do not worry about putting the throttle pedal to the floor... you will not burst the motor!!!
Just check there are no brakes binding etc....

If the motor runs ok and does not use oil, then it should tune up ok, you may have to play a bit with the settings... at this age no 2 are the same

Air-Cooled Bliss.....

 

Got to say that 125psi compression isn't exciting, so its going to be down on power. You won't "save" a short-stroke flat 4 by flogging it at low revs, wind it up to 5k if and when you need it, I've sent a DG off the end of the tacho with no ill effects.

if you can hit 65-70 on the dead flat in under a few mins, your probably normal... just got to work the gears , 2nd is usualy where i end up in Maisie on an inclie (1.9dg) . yes being overtaken by an arctic is a little embarasing, but the slow life is part of the charm, i have other things if i want to go Quick.

perhaps see if theres someone localish you can compare too

With my 50hp diesel I often end up going 20 mph in 2nd on steep inclines. It's part of the deal I guess. Although you should have a bit more power available than me.

I've returned from Exeter to near Huntingdon, around 240 miles today, against a stiff wind  in just over 4 hours. This was in my tin top so lighter than yours, but cruising around 60 to keep ahead of lorries. Hills near Bristol pulled me down to about 50-50mph. This on a standard engine and cars. Extra weight does have a dramatic effect though. On the Bristol hills tat are not steep but very long my Holdsworth would be nearer 40mph in 3rd. Where abouts are you based?

Thanks everyone, I’m in the South East Guildford way and was cutting across the South Downs at the time on the A3. A fellow high top blasted past me & gave me a supportive toot which was nice

It’s not dropping oil, timing looks sound & the dipstick is hot but not hurty (love that) I’ve been sticking E5 fuel in it..Shell VPower??

I’m just back from taking him out for another spin after everyone’s feedback & I now honestly think it’s predominantly a me problem & the way I’ve been driving it (getting through the gears as quickly as possible) I kept the revs high & cruised in 3rd & he seemed to love me for it, hit 55 fairly easily & felt like it would still pull.

The fact I’m probably gonna be down on power anyway given the compression isn’t ideal but I’m happy to live with that for now I think so I’m going to slink off now with my tail between my legs & persevere with driving it properly