AboutRon Wolff Expertise I am proficient in the following areas of VW Air Cooled Models from 1968-1979:
Vehicles: Super Beetle, Beetle, Thing, Karmann Ghia, Bus, Westfalia/Bus
Areas of expertise years 1968-1979
Engine Rebuild advice for all air cooled engines
VW Brake system replacement
Automatic Stickshift transmission
VW KOOL and DPD air conditioning systems (ex. thing)
Westfalia Electrical system dual battery
Westy Refridge Repair
Westy Cabinet Repair
Westy
AFC Fuel Injection system (1975 bugs) (1975 bus/Westys)
Soundproofing
General type 4 engine rebuild/technical data (i.e. 1.7 ltr, 1.8., 2.0) for buses
VW Air Cooled Beetle and Bus Paint codes
VW Distributor Compatibility Information
Westy component repair
Emission Systems
Exhaust Systems
General Electric System
Door rebuild (windows, seals, vent windows)
Body Panel Removal and general repair (non-welded)
Charging System
Convertible top Installation: Beetle
CV joints
Engine Troubleshooting
Valve Train
Non areas of expertise:
High Performance Modifications
Front end related components
Rear suspension (spring plate adjustment)
Bodywork / painting
Experience
Past/Present clients I often contribute to the westfalia users group technical boards. I have been a member for about 4 years. My usermame is 76Heatwagen
I restore vintage Volkswagens and currently own 4 of them.
Question My wife and I are have found a 1971 vw camper we are very interested in. Our only concern is that it has been sitting in the owners garage for approx. 4 months. the owner seems very honest and on the up and up when it comes to the condition of the bus. Since being parked he just noticed a small puddle on the floor under the transmission. The bus has 35k on rebuilt engine, minor surface rust only, and cosmetically looks great. he also says the "valves" need adjusting. Other than the valves and the newly noticed leak he says hes had no problems out of it in his 2 year ownership. if you could advise me to any possible repairs and/or approx costs in regards to the leak under the transmission and the valves it would be greatly appreciated. this will be our first vw as a married couple and are very anxious. thank you for your time, Nick
Answer Hi Nick,
It is fairly normal for a VW to leak a little engine oil between the engine and transmission. I would double check to see what kind of fluid is actually coming out.
If it is transmission, I would be very cautious - unless it's leaking from a leaky drain plug. Otherwise, you are most likely going to have to pull the motor.
As far as the valve adjustment, that is a very common maintenance issue, that you can do yourself in a half-hour with a handy VW guide.
Best of Luck and let me know if you decide to buy it.
