Club 80-90 Forums

Air cooled 2L flat 4 (in water cooled van - don't ask! )
Serviced and oil changed in June - went to Cornwall and back in July (no problems), went through the MOT no problem, no advisories end of July. Now it has started juddering and has gone a bit sluggish. All this started last Saturday on way home from camping, in the pouring rain.

The van has never liked the wet but we thought we had solved everything. Only thing outstanding is to get an oil leak sorted, but we checked the oil levels and all is OK. Howevert we keep getting a creamy stuff on the inside lid of the oil cap. I always thought that was caused by water.

Any ideas what is going on? We are meant to be going away this weekend.

you hope it is not the CV joiints, does the whole van feel like it is moving left and right at the back?

mine did on hills for a little while I have given the driveshafts a wiggle back and forth they both seem the same and the problem has gone away. touch wood

RachelDaisy wrote: Now it has started juddering and has gone a bit sluggish.

Only thing outstanding is to get an oil leak sorted, but we checked the oil levels and all is OK.

Howevert we keep getting a creamy stuff on the inside lid of the oil cap. i always thought that was caused by water.

Where is the oil leak it could be a contaminated clutch??

Creamy stuff is most probs oil getting in the coolant which could be the head gasket on its way out esp. with a drop in performance sorry to be negative !!!

Doesn't feel like it going left to right, just lurching a little. It isn't loads, just noticeable as it is usally really nippy.

Don't know where oil leak is, the mechanic reckoned it would be OK and he would sort it in a few months when he changes the silencer on the exhaust (forgot to mention that in the earlier post). Apparently he would need to strip engine down to get to leak so says it would be better to do it all at once.

Don't worry about being negative, no problem, I'm glad to get some suggestions.

RachelDaisy wrote:Air cooled 2L flat 4 Howevert we keep getting a creamy stuff on the inside lid of the oil cap. I always thought that was caused by water.

That is moisture in oil, but not to worry. They all do it, and it has nothing to do with coolant. The moisture in the air gets hot, vaporized and condenses at highest point.. the oil cap. Might even find some on top of dipstick.

we are driving down from Manchester to Birmingham tonight, hopefully the van just needs a good run. I'm Optimistic but I'm taking my AA card.

Well that'll be the first Aircooled engine I've ever come across with coolant in the oil. Don't folk actually read posts before replying?

Do all the usual checks, particularly ignition as usually thats where the problem lies. Definately don't twiddle with fuel settings if its run well up to now. Scum inside the oil filler isn't a big deal but your oil may need changing.

CovKid wrote: Don't folk actually read posts before replying?

Nobody is perfect CovKid!

agree to the vapour, but sonds like clutch for the major prob to me.....

(i had the same on a van, but still did 10000 miles on it... just treat it carefully!)

RachelDaisy wrote:Doesn't feel like it going left to right, just lurching a little. It isn't loads, just noticeable as it is usally really nippy.
Don't worry about being negative, no problem, I'm glad to get some suggestions.

White scum is common in some engines. It is generally brought about by condensation of water vapour in the breather and/or emission control system. In a watercooled engine it may be a shot or missing thermostat or a blockage in the breather pipework. Or even a shot head gasket. I guess that in an Aircooled engine it could be overcooling or just a consequence of a somewhat compromised cooling system design. Unless it causes problems most people live with it. I am afraid I don't get much info from the term juddering or lurching. Juddering could occur when the clutch is engaged and could be caused by a shot flyweel centre bearing which allows the clutch to wobble until it finds its centre and settles down until you declutch again. Or it could be CV joints worn or just loose bolts. Common on these machines I learn from the recurring posts. Juddering can be caused by shot or loose engine mounts but less likely with an hydraulic clutch as these provide very good mechanical isolation between your foot and the engine. Juddering can occur when brakes are applied and is usually caused by play in the suspension/steering joints or snatching of the friction material on the disk or drum. Some juddering is caused by an unfortunate resonance inherent in design. This was common in Ford Capri's as the front disks became worn. You will get much more help if you could be very specific as to the nature of the juddering/lurching and what brings it on. You did say the more info the better didn't you. This could turn into a very interesting thread.
Good luck with it anyway.
Regards
Ken

Hello,
I've made it as far as Hereford now . It had an oil change about 6 weeks ago.

Sorry I can't be clearer on whats going on, it is hard to describe. It happens when travelling under 30mph (no when changing gear - just driving in the same gear). Perhaps "jerky" would be a better word. It is only a little but we are used to a smooth ride, it just feels like it is missing. Our van seems to prefer high speeds.

Seeing as we have done 200 miles I shouldn't worry too much. I'll get it to a garage in the next couple of weeks and let you all know what it actually is (if it holds out that long!).

Thanks All x

hello,i run the same setup (2lt Aircooled t25) and had the same problem with low rev judder i reckon its your carbs that need sorting ...
regards

yo! i have the same problem though mines a watercooled 1.9 it starts juddering if you try and do 30mph in 3rd but when you speed up it goes away. like it's too slow and can't take it.it's new to me though only had it on the road since last friday so i'm still working it out though it definately seems like a fuel/timing issue as opposed to something mechanical. let us know if ya find out what it is. Benj

10 - 1 its the rubber on the filler neck perished , which in turn lets water in to the tank and in turn to your carbs.

you said it started when driving in the rain , theres your answer.

have a peep at the state of the fuel filter i bet its filthy with crud.

change it , drain the tank and replace the fuel filler neckj rubber and all will be well again

Sounds Like a Worn Engine mounting to me. I have a similar problem on my 2.0 Aircooled. I have learnt to live with it now. i know one of my engine mountings is worn.....just not had the time to change it....

Cream in the cap is a common one. I have noticed this on mine. Is caused by short journeys usually as the oil is not coming up to temp.....I would not worry. Recently serviced mine and it has gone away now. Frequent oil changes with a quality oil...Fuch or the like from GSF.

Glenn.