Club 80-90 Forums

Hello all, - I'll try and keep this as short as poss. I.6 Aircooled petrol Transporter camper, 45,000 miles. Shoved it in its winter garage (rented in neighbouring town) back in October. Thought at the time it was a bit down on power but ignored it. Dragged it out of its winter slumber this morning (oily patch under engine - 3 feet diameter circle). Checked oil level - bit down but nothing serious. Topped up oil. Started okay, no smoke, no misfire. Drove a mile to garage to change oil and filter. Then drove about seven miles (to home) mostly uphill. It appeared to be down on power and the interior (front mainly?) started getting smoky. Smelt of burning rubber. At the top of a long hill I parked up and checked the tyres and brakes - both fine. Then checked the engine compartment - seemed fine. All very mysterious. Would be grateful for any ideas what the problem might be. Many thanks.

jeez 1.6 down on power must be painful! possibly oil dripping onto exhaust, corroded heat exchangers can allow exhust and burning off oil on exhaust to enter the cab through the heating system.

That smell is familiar, sounds like oil dropping on to heat exchangers from the pushrod tube seals or possible somewhere else (I don`t know the 1.6 engine). I don't think that would explain the power loss though.

Hello,

1.6 CT.....

Never fear.....


First, start by placing a piece of card, with a brick to hold it down if the vehicle is outside, under the engine after a run. look where the oil leaks are. Photo these and post please.

Is the engine standard CT, with semi electronic ignition, (stuff hung on the left hand engine wall).

Does it have a standard solex pict 34/4 carb.

Is all the air filter plastic gubbins and rubber pipes in place.

Do you have haynes and somewhere to work.

End of inquisition..

Cordialement,

Smell of burning rubber could be alternator belt - rust having developed on the pulleys. I get this on my boat engine sometimes as rust can develop quickly in the marine environment. There is sometimes a blue haze due to the smoke.
Edited to add:
The alternator could have seized a bit also - this would cause the belt to burn also.

All the above posts seem to think that the smell of burning rubber is the same as burning oil!