78 Bus won't start

Haring · Sep 5, 2002

I'm new to the air-cooled scene and bought this 78 Westy to learn about engines (which is why I don't just take it to a mechanic) and because it's a pretty cool bus.

Well, last weekend she was fine and I drove her around everywhere. The last day was tuesday that she ran fine. Wednesday and up until today when I turn the key she'll turn and turn just not start. Nothing sounds out of place, she just doesn't get to that point where I can release the key and drive away.
If she was low on gas, which now I've added a couple more gallons to the tank, would a clogged fuel filter cause the engine to do this?
I'd think electrically she's fine because the starter, lights and everything are getting juice which is why I'm thinking maybe a gas issue.
or are there any other areas to check for? I've looked at all the hoses, plugs, wires and battery and everything looks fine. There is one plug wire that looks like a cheap replacement that I'm going to replace...but that shouldn't stop her from running right? Since parts are pretty cheap for these buses, and because of it's age, I'm tempted to just start replacing some of the parts and hope that something works.
Any suggestions on what to get her to start?

gatorvws · Sep 5, 2002

Re: 78 Bus won't start (ShortBus)

I am going to assume it is still fuel injected - granted i'm not up on fi.
Check to see if fuel pump is working and getting fuel to injectors.
check for bad fuel filter, yes a clogged fuel filter will cause it not to run.
check for spark. one bad wire will not stop it from running, it'll just run like crap.
check for any blown fuses.
Do you have a manual? if not get one. Bently is the best, but a haynes is better than nothing.
If it is carbed those are still some good quick checks.
Those are some quick and dirty checks.
I don't recommend parts swapping, that could lead to a very expensive and fustrating learning experience.
Hope this helps.
Alan

[Modified by gatorvws, 3:55 PM 9-5-2002]

Kafer 53 · Sep 5, 2002

Re: 78 Bus won't start (ShortBus)

Check the fuel pressure regulator. I assume you have L-Jet, I'm not sure where it would be located in a Bus, but in a Bug, if you jack up the ass end and slither underneath the passeneger siderear and look straight up in between the engine and transmission, you would see it there. On a Type 3 with D-Jet, its right in front of the engine's tin, placed in a such way that you cut yourself eveyrtime you try to get to it.
So make sure you have proper fuel pressure (I think 28psi?).
Also, there is one maybe two (possibly three) temp sensors you might as well replace as a sound investment. They can make starting damn near impossible if they are bad. They look like a little nut with a wire coming off of it.

Haring · Sep 5, 2002

Re: 78 Bus won't start (Kafer 53)

Thanks for the help so far!
I've had others mention to me the fuel filter, so I drove around to find a fuel filter but probably will end up ordering one off the net along with the bentley. Looking around I also opened up the airfilter and noticed that needs replacing too.
If not the fuel filter, I'll move on from there to the Fuel Pump (is that the same as the pressure regulator?)....hopefully that Bentley will show up soon.
Sucks that the one weekend I planned on going camping on a Friday night, is the Friday night the bus doesn't want to run.

redcorradoguy · Sep 7, 2002

Re: 78 Bus won't start (ShortBus)

Sorry I can't offer any advise, but I'm sort of in the same boat. I picked up a non-running '78 Westy Campmobile. I had it run for about 3 seconds a couple of times. Now, whenever I turn the key, it is like the whole vehicle is getting zero electricity. I'm thinking that if I can solve the electrical problem, then it isn't getting fuel like you. Good luck, and let us know what turns up.

78 Bus won't start

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