1978 Westfalia

So I bought this Westy. Not even sure where to start. I had a 69 before and really wish I had not sold it, so I found this one from a fellow gadubber. It needs work. I guess my main goal is to get it mechanically sound and camp worthy. The engine sounds good, but its dirty and in serious need of attention. I pulled it out last night. First time removing a type 4 engine, and it was a pain. Its just too big to come out of that hole. The body is pretty straight, but has some rust issues from a leaky smokers window. Also the drivers rear corner has been hit. It looks like a good repair from the outside, but inside is a different story. Anyway, time to get dirty and see where this thing takes me. Anyone with late bay experience that wants to offer advice along the way is welcome. The original color is Dakota Beige. I thought about trying to peel away that blue, but probably more time consuming than its worth.

Pulling the type 4 can be a pain but I've heard it's easier to pull the engine and trans as a unit. At least that's how I usually do it. It looks straight. I think you got a good one. I would suggest getting a good set of duals. That single weber can be a nightmare to tune. I don't have any personal experience with them though. (long live FI)

Oh I wish the FI was still there. I have no idea how hard it would be to put it back. The computer is still there, but thats about it.

X 2 on pulling trans and engine together is easier. Still not easy like a type 1, but a type 4, once sorted out, won't need to come out very often.

Congrats! Looks pretty solid.

Type 4 POWER!

Nasty!

Most definitely quicker and easier to pull with transmission attached!

My BEST advice for you at this point------Pull the gas tank to clean/inspect/repair/replace! It will come out with engine installed (flat engines only) so I'm told, but I would hate to have to try!

Get some degreaser on that engine!  

Yeah. I was hoping to not see so much lack of maintenance. Probably means not much else has been maintained well.  As far as the tank, I think that's a good idea. When I pulled the engine there was a valve on the engine tin that still had a rotten gas hose hooked to it. I didn't realize it and yanked it apart. All the gas came out and it was nasty.

Its coming apart



But......we may have a problem. Not the 3 letters i ever wanted to see. Its only on one head.

And this cylinder has a bad spot

Might be a long ride on this one. I did score these at bugapaluza


NOS for a type 4 and a type 1. Funny how many people dont know what these are.

That poor engine has taken some abuse over the years!

The fact that it says GEX and still has all it's valves intact is a miracle...
KC

Everyone is getting campers. Congrats on the find. I hope to find one for myself soon.

ASBug wrote:The fact that it says GEX and still has all it's valves intact is a miracle...
KC

I thought the same thing. Funny part is that they all look really good. No sunken valves. Guides look good. Hopefully I can get them refreshed soon so I can grind out that logo.

The deeper I go into this thing, the deeper I have to go. Cylinders are scored, so a new set is in my future. Seems the main bearings have some wear, so as bad as I hate to, I guess I will be tearing into the case. And I thought this was going to be easy.......

That whole engine needs to be soaked in a degreaser! The PO didn't take very good care of the engine judging from the photos!

Yeah. It will get the treatment. It was not treated well over the years. Shame.

ridikas wrote:That whole engine needs to be soaked in a degreaser!

Yeah, you're gonna need more than just that one spray can of degreaser.