Club 80-90 Forums

Hi,
Just returned from my forth camping trip since getting my van in December (very nice). However I was having a few problems getting up hills, much to the annoyance of the drivers behind.
On my return I scoured previous posts to see if this was normal for a 2L Aircooled, and noticed an interesting post on changing gear at the dots on the speedo. (wondered what thet were for )
My dots are at approximately 16, 32 & 53 mph. I just want to check I have this right for fear of thrashing the engine.
1st upto 16mph
2nd upto 32mph
3rd upto 53mph
Does this mean driving around town the highest gear I would be in is third

I wouldn't see the dots as gospel. They do apply (more or less) if pulling away from a standing start but around town you just want to drive with smooth acceleration and no thrashing/screaming or you'll be drinking petrol.

I've got a five speed and can sometimes get in fifth at a steady speed but you're soon back down the box again. 3rd has the most flexibility but get in fourth as soon as practical to do so.

think the dots are showing maximum speeds in those gears

baldiebird wrote:Hi,
Just returned from my forth camping trip since getting my van in December (very nice). However I was having a few problems getting up hills, much to the annoyance of the drivers behind.

Don't thrash it.. those drivers won't be paying for your new engine.
Just live with it.

unless you fit Twin 38 Dellortos on type four manifolds, that is.

"Just returned from my forth camping trip since getting my van in December (very nice). However I was having a few problems getting up hills, much to the annoyance of the drivers behind."

Just let them be annoyed - you should see how slow my 4 ton merc is on hills (only a 2.3 engine) - I have a wheel cover that says 'back off' because people drive right up my rear end. Some idiots just want to get into an early grave - the roads in the UK are no places for speed.

Thanks,
I will use dots for guidance only. Usually just change up from sound of engine. Just wanted to check as I am off to Wales later this year. Lots of very steep hills

Use your engine and gearbox going down the steep ones - not your brakes or they'll fade in no time. In terrain like that you just climb as best you can.

baldiebird wrote:Hi,
much to the annoyance of the drivers behind.

I think of it as pay back for when Im stuck behind them

Remember when climbing hills with an Aircooled (more critical with Aircooled than water cooled) that you dont want to be trying to make it pull up with low revs and lots of throttle.. better with light throttle and a few more revs... keeps the air moving so cooling the engine when its generating more heat..

also if you feel like stopping at the top of a hill.. DO NOT switch off straight away.. sit there for a min with a little bit of throttle for a fast idle.. this will prevent "heat soak" and allow the engine to cool down a little.. (also worth doing on hotter days when been on the motorway cracking on too..)

As boatdog said, those dots are the maximum speed that VW recommends in each gear.

Going uphill, I'd be changing down to 3rd at 40mph, to 2nd at 20-25, and 1st at 15. Better to go slow and steady with high engine revs, as that reduces engine load and increases the amount of cooling air being blown around the heads.

baldiebird wrote: having a few problems getting up hills, much to the annoyance of the drivers behind.

Enjoy the open road ahead of you. I had the same thing with my old series III Landy.