I have a 1973 Bus w/ dual carbed 1700cc engine and automatic transmission. I have been repairing and tuning numerous things since I got this bus 4 months ago because it had been in someones garage since 1996. There are 2 main problems that I need advice with: 1)the automatic trans shifts into gear (or shall I say SLAMS) very hard when engaging from Park to Reverse and/or Drive and it will not "upshift" from 3rd to 2nd for passing or going up hills (I have to move the shifter manually to 2nd). I have been told that it sounds like a vacuum problem because these transmissions use engine vacuum to shift. I have replaced numerous vacuum lines except one leading from the left carb to the trans which I plan to do next. Also I have completely drained the ATF and cleaned the screen and filled with new ATF and it is at correct level (checked while idling in Neutral per Haynes manual). What else should I check? Has anyone else had experience with these as far as maintaining for daily use and not just "converting it to a standard transaxle"?
2) While driving the steering wanders and is EXTREMELY difficult to handle under strong winds (which I am used to from a previous Bus but not that uncotrollable). I have tightened the steering box to eliminate sloopy steering and the tires are new and balanced. Do I need new ball joint torsion arms? Would EMPI 7/8" sway bars make it more controllable at highway speeds? Would gas shocks help as well?
Any advice would be greatly appreciated because this bus will be my next daily driver and is my favorite VW so far Thanks to all
1) It doesn't actually use the vacuum to shift... it uses it to sense how hard you're stepping on the gas, to adjust the road speed where up-shifts and down-shifts take place, and how firmly to shift. No vacuum = pedal on the floor = maximum acceleration wanted, so you get late and hard shifts.
Should've checked that vacuum line first.
2) Check the swing lever arm (the one on the front tubes that turns the steering box front-to-back motion into side-to-side motion for the wheels. Have someone turn the steering wheel gently back and forth while you look. There should be absolutely no up/down motion at either end of the swing lever. If there is, the bushings are worn and will need to be replaced.
not sure if this will help but,
as far as the shift goes, I had the same problem. It would slam into reverse. I had the small vacuum line from the control valve hooked up to the wrong port. it goes on the retard port on the carb and definitely not the intake manifold. Makes a world of difference.
good luck
I have a couple of suggestions; first off, I would check the four ball joints, you'll have to "unload" them.Briefly, jack the front end up and support w/ jack stands on torsion tubes, next use a floor jack to lightly preload the lower torsion arm, using a big lever (2 feet at least), check for vertical movement in the ball joints.If you have torn ball joint covers, you likely need ball joints anyway. So, do that first.Secondly, the type 2 is so tall that the wrong tires can make it really squirrely. I recommend light truck tires; LT designation.Also, run the tires at relatively high PSI in back(32-36psi) and perhaps as low as 26-28psi in front.Also, a good set of KYB Gas Adjust shocks really help.They're not cheap but they're not outrageous either.Oh yeah, I run mercedes/benz steel rims on my vans, they're 1/2" wider (6x14).You won't be able to use the stock hubcaps, though.Also, you'll only be able to install one rear brake holddown bolt.Grease the hell out of the torsion bars and steering pivot.Try to keep heavy spares/tools etc. under/ behind front seats (safety permitting).Sorry for the lengthy reply, I got on a roll. Good luck.
So far I have discovered a leaky vacuum hose running to the trans and replaced which has only helped the shifting while driving (made smoother as well as upshifting better). I have also discovered that one of the bolts on the motor mount turns freely and will not tighten. A friend told me before finding this that he thought the hard gear change was due to a broken motor mount. So, I am replacing that motor mount too.
MasterBlaster - I will be checking that swing arm this week. Thanks for the good advice
Bobsbob - I checked the vacuum line routing and they are correct but thanks for the input
Alan - As far as the tires go, they are LT lite truck tires (215/75/14). Are these tires too tall? Would 70 series or lower make it more stable? Thanks for the front end advice. I'll be checking things out this week, hopefully driving by next week.
I sincerely appreciate all your replies
Thanks to all