exhaust soot.

joshuah Learner Dubber

16 posts · joined Nov 2008 · 2 Aug 2012, 8:21 pm

#915739

Hello,
Having just got the 72 VW 1302s last week (after 3 years apart), I have been spending some time looking at and under her. Just had the motor rebuilt, replacing the block and the innards, and only done a couple hundred miles.

I noticed on the Driver's side of the motor, that the push tubes and cooling fins are covered in soot, as if from the exhaust. A small hole in the tinware has also left soot on the inside of the bonnet/boot lid above it. The passenger side is fine.

I cannot find a leak in the exhaust manifold flange area. Is it possible there's a head issue? I'm hoping it's something small, but i'm a little concerned. I will pull the tin off after work tomorrow and have a look properly.

Any likely causes I should be mindful of?

Oh and coasting down a hill with nil throttle this morning, I thought I heard a pop/backfire, but a one off. Driven gently... She seems to drive well otherwise.

Thanks.

Joshua.

vlad01 Compulsive Aussie Vee Dubber

4,270 posts · joined Jun 2010 · 2 Aug 2012, 10:15 pm

#915763

yes the heads may not be sealed properly.

were they machined? was the case registers decked square? was the heads torqued correctly? has it over heated since rebuild? cylinders sit flat and square when torqued down?

make sure the exhaust is checked properly before looking else where though. could be pulling things apart for no real reason otherwise.

71 notchback,
Past owner of, 70 NB, 73 SB and 72 FB TLE

joshuah Learner Dubber

16 posts · joined Nov 2008 · 17 Aug 2012, 8:29 pm

#918003

I tightened up the exhaust manifold bolts. Got maybe an eigth of a turn out of them, but didn't want to overdo it, having snapped one before! Also refastened the muffler clamp thingys, as there was a bit of a leak on one.

Cleaned the push rod tubes and so far so good.

Thanks for the reply. Glad it's not more serious, for now...

Joshua.

Nee heb je, Ja kan je krijgen.