potential engine problem?

[ojsmith]

hi
i would like some of your wisdom and expertise... i went to look at a van today, and took this picture of the engine (attached). the moisture under the airfilter in the picture... is this likely to be a problem, or nothing to worry about?

cheers for your help

oliver

DSCN2295.JPG

[VWCamperfan]

I can't see under the air filter... Can see on top of it but think I must be missing something 'coz I can't see anything out of the ordinary!

[ojsmith]

do you need to double click the pic to see the whole thing? just at the bottom, just off left centre of the picture... dampness?!

[stevep113]

Do you mean the top of the carb?

[ermie571]

Mark,
I think he may mean the oily residue under the carb cap at the front of the picture?

slight rustyness to the top of the carb, and some oily deposit on the plastic of the carb cap, but looks pretty clean to me! At least the whole engine bay isn't covered in sprayed oil! Unusually the picture is taken side on...had me thrown for a minute, but I think that is the side of the carb facing the passenger side of the van (RHD). Air box is at the back of the picture...and quite right....can't see4 underneath that!


Oliver, if you are worried turn up when the vehicle is cold, and check the oil level...make sure its not running minimum (a decent level of oil in there at least demonstrates the current owner knows how to top it up!) When it starts up, do you get an evil smell of oil burning? Now I do, and lovely blue grey smoke. I've been told that this means my rings are worn, and oil is leaking through them, and burning off when started. But engine runs lovely, pulls well, and I will replace it when it eventually dies! It passes the emissions test, so can't be all bad! I do check her level regularly, as I know she is burning some.

Oil dip stcik behind the numberplate flap.....just in case you didn't know.

Good luck!

Em
x
Em

[The Reverend Pimp Daddy]

Have you taken the top off the airfilter....take out the filter.they can trap moisture in there

[VWCamperfan]

Ahh, if thats a bit of oil just above the carb, then moisture will collect there when it's as cold as it was last night. Tents to blob on the oil and so looks more than is actually there. (Possibly!).

[ermie571]

Ahh, if thats a bit of oil just above the carb, then moisture will collect there when it's as cold as it was last night. Tents to blob on the oil and so looks more than is actually there. (Possibly!).

See how we all tell each other positive things?

I'm going to be telling the bank that its a good thing the van has just cost me £200...coz it doesn't need doing next year now!

Em
x

[ojsmith]

so... should i buy it??!!

im guessing yes if im going to get positive responses!

[ermie571]

Now you is asking....I think as Mr Hulley said in another thread...buying an 20 year old vehicle is a lottery!!

Sorry - its not really fair to ask members that question...they have not seen or heard, you say nowt about the bodywork, history, mileage etc etc. or cost!!!
Be prepared for some maintenance.

Have you driven it anywhere yet? Any flashing lights...poor performance etc etc?

Give it the best test you can and remember to staqy positive if it needs work!

Em
x

[ojsmith]

i know... i'm taking it for a thorough test drive this afternoon... bodywork, service history, mileage (70k) all look fine, and i am going armed with my printout from the wiki page here... i'll let you know how i get on!

[Pepperami]

Don't they all do that? when i had a VW engine mine did.

[Ian Hulley]

It may indicate a lack of maintenance .... that's where oil which has been pulled up the crankcase breather has hit the black beret and run down the outside and seeped out onto the carb. It may just need a bl%dy good full service or (like Pepperami's DG) it may have been thrashed to within an inch of it's life. Try looking in the filter box itself and the rubber duct between the beret and the filter box there'll probably be quite a bit of oil.

Ian