79 Bus Cold Idle Issue

[SlowLane]

Also, this engine has hydraulic lifters, and the valves are non - adjustable.

Ah, not quite correct. The adjustment procedure is different for hydraulic lifters than for solid lifters, but they are adjustable. And although hydraulic lifters don't require adjustment as frequently as do solid lifters, it is still a good practice to regularly check their adjustment to gauge the health of your valves and valve seats. There have been many discussion threads here and on The Samba on the topic.

Additionally, Richard Atwell (ratwell) has an excellent write-up on hydraulic lifters in the type 4 engine here: http://www.ratwell.com/technical/HydraulicLifters.html

General opinion is that Bentley's recommendation to adjust the valves two turns past zero lash is excessive. One-and-a-half turns is more commonly accepted.

[mross]

Hi all,

Sorry I haven't been back to this thread in forever, but work was crazy and I didn't have time to work on my bus. Anyway, I took it to a local air - cooled only shop here in town after trying a few more tests. They had a look over it and adjusted the timing, dwell, and fuel mixture (AFM). The adjustments cured it, and it now idles and runs like it is supposed to. I also had a look at the valvetrain adjustment procedure; and will give it a shot when I have a little more time on my hands.

Anyway, thank you all for the help! This is a great site!

[SlowLane]

Thanks for posting an update, Mike. Was kinda wondering what happened to ya. One minute you're all gung-ho, and then ... nothin'.

But yeah, life can get in the way of air-cooled ambitions. Glad you found a shop that was able to sort your issue out. Mechanics who know anything about aircooled beasties are getting rarer.

[Amskeptic]

Thanks for posting an update, Mike.Mechanics who know anything about aircooled beasties are getting rarer.

And us travelling ones who come to your house to teach you to do it yourself, MIKE, are rarer yet and getting older by the day . . .
Colin

[SlowLane]

And us travelling ones who come to your house to teach you to do it yourself, MIKE, are rarer yet and getting older by the day

Forgive me Colin, but you aren't rare. You're unique.

And as a comic whose name I promptly forgot once pointed out, getting older beats the heck out of the alternative.