Club 80-90 Forums

Hi all,

I need to take my van from teddington to exeter to change some wheels and the starter motor this weekend. Trouble is, theres not enough fuel in it to get home, and it wont start.... my plan was to take the filler cap out, get a few friends to help me bump start it, take it to a petrol station, leave it running whilst filling up and head down to exeter.

My spare key is currently unavailable, i cant turn it off to use the key to take the filler cap out to fill up, as it wont start again,, see the problem?

So my question is will it run ok with no filler cap? I might be being stupid but doesnt it need it there to keep pressure in the tank?

Other that that can i get a vw key cut at any old key cutters?

Any other suggestions will be appreciated!

Plus my friends wont be coming to exeter with me so they cant push me again.

If it all works i should be able to make it to Vanfest!

You should be ok. Many people forget their petrol cap when filling up, and only noticing either when they stop, or need to fill up again. I have done this in the past, and was lucky enough that my cap was still at the very same pump I left it at the following week.

You are supposed to turn the engine off when refuelling....for obvious reasons.....and the garage attendant may well stop you from filling up.

Why not fill some jerry cans or a 5 gallon drum and put enough fuel in before you set off?

If your mates are willing to drive to you to bump start you then surely they'll be more than willing to bring you some fuel?

But saying that...when you've changed the starter motor in Exeter you'll be able to stop at a petrol station and fill up as normal....won't you?

Is it safe to leave it running whilst filling??

You can get temp push on caps from most petrol stations.

im in exeter. is there anything i can do to help to save you coming down? ie grab a starter and bring it to VF for you?

That was another concern, leaving it running. I cant see how the cashier could tell from inside the shop? I see the dangers but i'd be ok risking it just this once.

Jerry cans would work but be sooo slow, and ive only got 2, Does anybody have a 5 gallon one i could borrow that lives near me?

ELVIS wrote:im in exeter. is there anything i can do to help to save you coming down? ie grab a starter and bring it to VF for you?

thanks for the offer, but i need the tools at my dads workshop, and its tricky doing it with all the parts in the way isnt it? Ive only ever done it when we dropped the engine to change the clutch.

plus i need to swap my wheels over, and couldnt ask you to bring all that up

youde4 wrote:I see the dangers but i'd be ok risking it just this once.

You know the dangers and you're willing to risk blowing up yourself and everyone else in/near the garage?

A hell of a lot safer to fill up with jerry cans don't you think?

Or....get your mates to give you a bump start and then follow you to the garage.
Drive to the garage,stop the engine,fill up,replace the filler cap and then get said mates to push you off the forecourt to get you on your way.

But like I said earlier....you'll be able to stop and fill up after you've replaced the starter motor in Exeter...won't you?

My fingers are too slow!!!

Why not stick a gallon in and take yourmartels to the Petrol station with you. That way they can bump it afterwards.

Failing that I have a large jerry can and two or three 1 gallon ones you can borrow if you like. I'm in Tolworh.

no worries chap. am leaving tomorrow dinnertime if you need owt bringing up.gimme a shout if i can do anything to help.offers there. (and feel free to bear me in mind for any future help if your ever down this way , or im coming your way )

your right though, stinko starter motor swap isnt the nicest of jobs, even in a workshop, let alone a wet field

I agree with Steve, it's a no brainer !!!!!!

Ok so i've borrowed a 5 gallon can from someone at work, that plus what i think is in there already, and maybe 5l from another jerry can should get me back to exeter. I just hope i dont stall it!! Then i can fill it up near the workshop

While ive got all your attention, whats the easiest way to change the starter? Its got a rear diff lock, and i noticed the vacuum actuator looks like it could be in the way....among other things

I've noticed the gearbox rubber mounts need replacing, so do you think it would be easier to lower the engine to give me more access from the top?

ELVIS wrote:no worries chap. am leaving tomorrow dinnertime if you need owt bringing up.gimme a shout if i can do anything to help.offers there. (and feel free to bear me in mind for any future help if your ever down this way , or im coming your way )

your right though, stinko starter motor swap isnt the nicest of jobs, even in a workshop, let alone a wet field

Good man much appreciated

Good advice. Also I suggest that if you have a solid tow rope, get a tow start. This option saves all the grunting and possible failure to start. Even if you do stall on the way you could flag down another VW and get tow started again. Good luck

Patrick

I'm sure you already know but just in case, don't bump it in R, G or 1st.