REV LIMITERS - what, why,who runs one?

[Doris]

Hi,
just wondering what the advantage is to the rev limiter that goes inside the dizzy. I always thought VWs couldn't over rev and the old story that they will accelarate to flat out and cruise happily at whatever speed that is.
(may I just add - I don't fancy taking any of my vehicles to sit at 'flat out' esspecially my 40 year ol VW!!!)

So - is the above an 'urban myth' ? any advantages/protection to fitting one? does anyone use a rev limiter and do they notice it affects the busses performance at all ?

Cheers Rob, Please discuss..........

 

[Joval]

If you miss a gear you might over-rev...

 

[AxlFoley]

or if your music is to loud andyou forget to change gear.

 

[ronmidg]

I guess if your breathing through a carb the size of a thimble your probably ok without

 

[pete nice]

Don't bother, it's just more to go wrong.

You won't over rev your engine, you love it too much

 

[Doris]

You won't over rev your engine, you love it too much

well, I am breathing through a stock thimble sized carb so thats that then! cheers all!

 

[AndrewHS]

My 67 panel still has its original type and spec 1600 single port engine breathing through its 'thimble' carb. For years, before they attained the current cult status, it was just the works van and likely to be driven (Thrashed) by all and sundry. As a safeguard I left the limiter rotor arm in place and have to say that it has never given any trouble. 20 years on it's still got the same engine...... I wonder if it has got anything to do with it? The other thing I found out on longer trips with others following: It is the only vehicle I have ever had that can hit the rev limiter in top gear and, from those following in modern vehicles with accurate speedos, I am assured that we were doing 82 mph - plenty fast enough for me, fully loaded with unassisted drums! May be if you always hit your gear changes right or you're not brave (or stupid) enough you haven't been fast enough to trigger the limiter anyway, so maybe you don't need it.

 

[young_dubya]

from what i gather the stock vw heads actually limit the engine. you cant get enough air/fuel in to over rev. if you where in a low gear and going down a hill then you could.if your sensitive then you will be fine.

 

[BJ1]

from what i gather the stock vw heads actually limit the engine. you cant get enough air/fuel in to over rev. if you where in a low gear and going down a hill then you could.if your sensitive then you will be fine.

Whilst that may have been true on 1200 engines, 1600 tp engines can be seriously over-revved. Just connect a rev counter and open the throttle. We once tried (successfully) to blow an engine just by over-revving it. It lasted 20 minutes at over 5500rpm before a rod went. Mind you it was old and worn :roll:

 

[young_dubya]

:shock: is that while it was being driven or disengaged from the road wheels? ive never got mine above 4800rpm and thats a GT beetle. lighter and sleaker :lol: :wink: than a bus lol.

 

[Air Cooled Rookie]

I fitted one after spending about a grand on my engine, I reckoned it was a bit of insurance. Like Andrew, I can get up to about 80/82mph before it cuts in (or should that be cuts out?) which as he says is plenty fast enough.

It's real use though is stopping the engine over reving in 2nd or 3rd. This factor brings me peace of mind when my girl friend drives the van. (I hope she doesn't read this )