Club 80-90 Forums

Hi, I've not long had my '87 1.9 Petrol Transporter Hi-Top Autohomes conversion, it came with a 12 month MOT, but I decided to have it serviced for peace of mind. Here's the outcome: Exhaust corroded to the point of about to blow (we're talking about the sections that mount to the cyclinder heads, not the main silencer), the metal coolant pipe is corroded and could also blow anytime soon, but the biggest worry is that the mechanic (who incidently has been servicing our cars for years so no rip off merchant) reckons the diff bearings are noisy. Must admit I took the whirring noise in lower gears for granted. Anyone out there had that problem? And how costly was it to get fixed? Oh and the carb is worn too which accounts for the flat spot. Sounds depressing doesnt it? Thing is we love this van, just want to get her fully serviceable and enjoy good times. Anyone have ideas where I could source a reasonably priced exhaust system, coolant pipe, carb overhaul kit (it's not fuel injected), and diff...if such things are easy to acquire that is? I've no idea how robust the diffs in these vans are, so if you think a bit of noise is nothing to worry about then let me know. Sorry for rambling in

Hi, sorry to here about your issues. Have you tried Brickwerks?

Update your profile then we'll know where you are. Chances are there may be someone close who could help you out.

Thanks, Brickwerks have put me onto Aidan Talbot for advice.

Sorry, need to update my profile as new to 80-90. I'm in Fareham, near Portsmouth.

lamb125 wrote:Thanks, Brickwerks have put me onto Aidan Talbot for advice.

Sorry, need to update my profile as new to 80-90. I'm in Fareham, near Portsmouth.

Yup, Aidan seems to be 'da man' when it comes to the pixies that live inside your gearbox! You won't go wrong there.
Re your exhaust - really will pay you to fork out for a Brickwerks (late) system, even if you get it bit by bit. The main issue (as will be confirmed countless times on this forum) is the studs/bolts which attach the exhaust system to the cylinder heads. You may have already looked at it, but you will see two pipes leading off the cylinder head on each side of engine, these are referred to as the 'header' pipes. Each header is fixed to the engine (cylinder head) by either M8 x 30 bolts or M8 studs, with nuts on them. The problem arises when you (or you mechanic/exhaust centre ) try to undo these, as they are most often seized like a siezed thing, on 'National Seized Up Day'! Usual advice is a few days of soaking with PlusGas (not WD40) - without using van between times then talk to them nicely!!! Ring spanner not open ended if possible, heat from blow torch sometimes suggested. Take your time! If they shear - then you could easily be looking at an engine out scenario (which, fortunately with these engines is not quite as bad as it sounds!). When you get job done, a good tip (from Kev the Rev IIRC) would be to change the studs every couple of years, and use lashings of Copper Slip type assembly grease to ensure they dont seize again.
We wish you luck - keep us posted.... FW

Thanks for the advice, I'll keep you informed. BTW, how do I update my profile on this site, I mus tbe missing a trick somewhere?!

click "user control panel"
click "profile"
fill in location, where it says "location"