LittleRedVan
Member
I know this post is a really stupid one from a woman who knows very little about owning a classic van, but I've only had my shiny new rebuilt and reconditioned 1972 Westy for 5 days and I'm panicking!
Couldn't resist taking her out for a sunset spin this evening. She started perfectly first time so I let her tick over and warm up while I got the dogs in. We pootled 15 miles doing about 40mph and noticed a smell of petrol in the cab, then stopped for 20 mins at a scenic spot (with no phone signal). Could smell petrol quite strongly in the cab and at the left rear, opposite side to fuel cap. When I tried to restart her she turned over but wouldn't fire - cue panic attack. This went on for 5 mins, then in desperation I just kept turning her over and flooring the accelerator - finally she started and I revved her hard so she wouldn't stop!
Managed to get her home absolutely fine - a bit faster this time getting up to 50mph. The petrol smell was much stronger, so much so I had to open the window, and now she's back it's really strong. Can't see any petrol leaks but there is slight oil leakage from the engine oil drain plate (according to my Haynes manual) and around the surrounding end of the gearbox. Been under my van with a torch and touching / sniffing anything that looks damp - it's just oil, not petrol. Checked the oil before I drove her and it was just under the top line (and she's done a 240 mile trip home last Thursday without problem).
So, my question is, are these little quirks normal for a 39-year old van, regardless that it's been stripped down and had a photographic rebuild? Am I over-reacting?! (Obviously I'll ring the garage I bought her from tomorrow, but third party opinions would be appreciated).
Thanks,
Lilli
Couldn't resist taking her out for a sunset spin this evening. She started perfectly first time so I let her tick over and warm up while I got the dogs in. We pootled 15 miles doing about 40mph and noticed a smell of petrol in the cab, then stopped for 20 mins at a scenic spot (with no phone signal). Could smell petrol quite strongly in the cab and at the left rear, opposite side to fuel cap. When I tried to restart her she turned over but wouldn't fire - cue panic attack. This went on for 5 mins, then in desperation I just kept turning her over and flooring the accelerator - finally she started and I revved her hard so she wouldn't stop!
Managed to get her home absolutely fine - a bit faster this time getting up to 50mph. The petrol smell was much stronger, so much so I had to open the window, and now she's back it's really strong. Can't see any petrol leaks but there is slight oil leakage from the engine oil drain plate (according to my Haynes manual) and around the surrounding end of the gearbox. Been under my van with a torch and touching / sniffing anything that looks damp - it's just oil, not petrol. Checked the oil before I drove her and it was just under the top line (and she's done a 240 mile trip home last Thursday without problem).
So, my question is, are these little quirks normal for a 39-year old van, regardless that it's been stripped down and had a photographic rebuild? Am I over-reacting?! (Obviously I'll ring the garage I bought her from tomorrow, but third party opinions would be appreciated).
Thanks,
Lilli