Last issue, Thomas covered getting into the scene and enthusing his children with the camper van bug. He continues:

It is always easy to devote time in club magazines such as this, to repairs and breakdown advice, and why not. Being part of the VW ‘community’ has shown me that VW owners are usually so willing to help other VW owners. Much kindness, help and assistance has been offered to me in the past. I was always so grateful, that I now offer the same whenever I can. Part of owning an older vehicle is to resolve problems (I won’t say the word ‘issue’, I hate it, it’s a PROBLEM!), in order to keep using your old vehicle. Having said that, I will talk of problems with my bus, and how they have been resolved. Not forgetting to enjoy them!

My first known mechanical difficulty was when driving from Honiton to Axminster. No sooner had I arrived in the small market town, I noticed the red generator light come on. By this time, I had been made aware that a loud BANG, followed by the ‘Red light of doom’ (the oil light) and the red light of…nearly doom (generator) require immediate action. That is, STOP THE ENGINE ASAP!

As luck would have it, I was right outside a local garage and MOT station, ong gone now to make way for a well-known supermarket chain. Coasting in, I came to a halt at the front door of the garage workshop. Looking in the rear engine bay, the fan belt was on and seemed tight, but when turning the pulley by the fanbelt (careful not to trap your hand) a grinding, crunching noise could be heard. Having worked from the local Hospital for some years and getting to know the local shops and trades, I was unaware of this garage, or if they were good with aircooled VW’s. Not able to move my van and rather stuck, I was forced to seek their help. Luckily for me, I could get to work and take the train home later, leaving the van in the hands of the garage “I’ll get the lad on it”. A worrying sight, as the poor lad looked so new and bewildered by an old aircooled van. He searched for the bonnet. There was none I informed him. “Where is the engine then?” He stares into the rear engine bay in disbelief. Clearly he was lost on this one. I queried the managers wisdom in setting the task of diagnosing my vans problem when he can’t even find the engine. If only my van could be transported home. This was not an option at that time.

The next day I was informed that the fan at the rear of the alternator had disintegrated. I trotted down on foot to visit and see for myself. Pieces of ‘doghouse’ and other components were everywhere. Even though I had not taken my engine apart myself before then (I have since) it looked a mess. The centre part of the fan was missing!

A new replacement fan was required. The garage mechanics were telling me that I needed a new engine. In my view, I had stopped the engine at the moment I heard an unusual noise (the BANG!) and when my warning lights came on. The engine did not stop, I stopped it. Still they insisted. From my early learnings of my van’s inner workings, I was not satisfied with their logic, even though I fully understand I am a self taught mechanic and not a professional. Even fanless, the engine turned and compression felt good. The search was on for a fan. At that time, the supply of VW components was OK, but not as plentiful as available now. A member of Hospital staff knew someone in the town who loved VW’s and ran around in Beetles. Only a nickname and name of a road near the Hospital. Walking up this road I soon found a VW Beetle parked in a driveway next to another under cover. Knocking on the door, it was answered by a young chap. Amused to find an unknown stranger at his door I explained my trouble. What followed was a quick tutorial on his Beetle engine, and a mucky spare fan shoved into my hand with spare nut and shims. This was my first real memory of other VW owners’ kindness. Heading back to the garage I handed the fan to the apprentice mechanic and offered advice where I could. I also carried a Haynes manual in my van which I gave him. My instructions to him and his manager were NOT to order a new engine. Fit the new fan, put it all back together and we will see what happens. Only if it all goes wrong will I consider this option.

A day or so later I called into the garage to see what progress had been made. Just in time to see it fire up and run sweetly. Success! Whilst at home, I looked at my paperwork and found that an MOT was due. Contacting the garage, I asked if they could do this as my van was with them.

The next day I was informed that my van engine was working and an MOT was passed, but my radiator needed urgent replacement. Thinking that this the manager was talking about the oil cooler, I visited the garage again. To my utter disbelief, he insisted that a new radiator was urgently needed, and explained the perils of keeping the cooling system of my engine in good order. I asked the Manager (Snr Mechanic) to show me exactly where on my van the radiator and water-cooling system were located. What’s more, if he can’t find it, I want my MOT fee waived. Not long after I left the garage, only paying for the replacement of fan and work done to expose it and put it all back. I only got outside onto the main road when my light came on again-the fan had undone itself! Leaving it with them AGAIN. On collecting it the next day I was told “To stop it happening again we put a spot of weld on the van to the shaft of the alternator”!!! (Editor – they had failed to install the woodruff key from the sound of it).

From then, I vowed to do whatever I can myself if able.

More trips and camping and diving holidays followed. Great fun. What’s more, I got to sit next to Falmouth bay, after a dive, in the doorway of my VW van supping a coffee and eating a mars bar. A realised dream at last.

To be continued…

Thomas Feeney