Bus Front Engine Tin

[hambone]

Often I see a Bug front tin used on a Bus engine, and it does not fit right - it is too small. Common wisdom says this is bad news, causing engine overheating and raccoons. Is there any science or first hand experience that proves/disproves this possible myth?
I remember Colin's observations about missing tin last summer, and that it actually ran cooler but let in more exhaust gasses.

[hambone]

The only thing I could think of that would cause issues would be the FRONT head/exhaust connection, with heat generated.

If it is an issue, maybe there's a temporary foam solution, ala type4 engine seal or something. I sure don't want to pull the engine! And I have seen this issue a few times, it would be nice to give the correct advice.

What a life, fumes, toxic grease and blood.

[kreemoweet]

The engine tin you speak of is usually called the "firewall tin". The "rear apron" is the body metal piece just below the engine hatch (blessedly removable on busses up to '71 I think).

It is a big deal IMO, but I have no scientific data to back up that opinion. Just consider that the area just forward of that tin is where the hot air that has just cooled the oil cooler gets dumped ('71 bus only), as well as the hot air that gets blown thru the heat exchangers when the flaps that control the flow forward
are closed.

It's pretty easy to take a bug firewall tin and pop-rivet on the corner pieces needed to transform it into a proper bus firewall tin. Used bus parts vendors still have the stock firewall tins available from time to time, but the 71-only piece with the oil cooler air outlet hole are getting scarce.

[Amskeptic]

Improvise if you have to, just be thorough and over-engineer the thing for both airtightness and sticking together through the life of a typical VW.

[ruckman101]

I got some of those. The factory is essentially, not pop riveted, but the bug version plus to fit the engine compartment seal. Squarer. The hack I know is the tin-snipped hole for the doghouse oil cooler vent. Gots both.


neal

[hambone]

If you have one to spare, please let me know.

[ruckman101]

Indeed I do. With or without a hole tin-snipped in for the dog-house oil cooler vent?


neal

[hambone]

With hole!
And how!