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.
Expert: Ron Wolff Date: 4/10/2007 Subject: '78 camper van
Question Hi Ron - My son recently bought a '78 pop top camper van with the fuel injected engine. The van sounds like it is running great, however, it definitely lacks power. It can barely make it up a hill and maybe will hit 20mph on a steeper hill (like going up a mountain pass) if it is empty and floored. Is this common for this type of van with this engine? My brother has a 66 camper van that will run circles around this one. Should we consider junking the fuel injection and set it up with a carb or does the fuel injected motor actually perform better than what this one is doing? What should we be checking for?
Many thanks for your time on this one!
Rick
Answer Rick,
The fuel injection system is powerful and reliable. I would not consider scrapping it in the least.
First I would make sure all the valves are adjusted properly, (pay attention, as I belive 78's have hydraulic lifters) than do a compression check on each cylinder.
Once that is completed, time the ignition on the engine and see how it runs.
I'd be surprised if you are not doing circlues around the 66!
