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Auto Box...any good??

Posted: 27 Oct 2009, 19:31
by paulypaul
I'm new to this forum, but not new to Vw's (already have a 63 bus and a T5 sportline) but am new to the T25/T3 bus. I have seen a smart looking bus with a 2.1 engine and auto box. The autobox is the only thing I'm not sure about. The bus is an 86 and has done a genuine 46k miles.
Can anyone tell me if these automatics should be avoided and whether the engine is a good lump. My only dealing with a 2.1 engine was when Laurie Pettit was going to build me an engine using a 2.1 crank conversion for our Aircooled T1 based engine, so I am totally green about all of this. Any help would be appreciated.
Thanks, Paul

Re: Auto Box...any good??

Posted: 27 Oct 2009, 19:55
by rattybird
2.1's are good engines longs they have regualr oil changes and filter changes , gosh makes me laugh i have not seen laurie in 5 yrs when i used to work for kingfisher kustoms :rollin

Re: Auto Box...any good??

Posted: 27 Oct 2009, 20:20
by paulypaul
Laurie is certainly a character, although he knows his stuff. What are the automatics like, any idea??

Re: Auto Box...any good??

Posted: 27 Oct 2009, 20:36
by kentishvanman
Hi,
I've had an auto for years and wouldn't swap it. Last time I checked I was getting 27mpg on petrol. At the moment I am fine tuning to see how much I get on lpg. I have a 1.9DG engine
The auto boxes are supposed to be a better box than the manuals and have a long life.
If they do go wrong then you can't just use your local garage to sort it out although I would think most main vw garages could probably cope.
Worth looking at the www.go westy.com [/color]site and their comments about auto boxes and oil coolers.
Hope this helps.
Don

Re: Auto Box...any good??

Posted: 27 Oct 2009, 20:50
by paulypaul
Thanks Don, thats very helpfull.
Paul

Re: Auto Box...any good??

Posted: 27 Oct 2009, 21:01
by vanwesty
Hi got two 2.1 autos ones a crewcab had from new done 125,000 miles pulling a plant trailer around the hills of Devon with no problems,other is a westy will cruise at 70 alladay up the moterway best gearbox VW made.

Re: Auto Box...any good??

Posted: 27 Oct 2009, 21:20
by paulypaul
vanwesty wrote:Hi got two 2.1 autos ones a crewcab had from new done 125,000 miles pulling a plant trailer around the hills of Devon with no problems,other is a westy will cruise at 70 alladay up the moterway best gearbox VW made.
Looks like I dont have to worry about the gearbox then. Anything in particular I should look for when viewing a 1986/87 2.1 injection....?

Re: Auto Box...any good??

Posted: 27 Oct 2009, 21:44
by matt
check the fluid level on the box, with the engine running ,warmed up at tick over :ok
check the themostat housing for signs of leaks
use the condition of the zorst as bargaing power