Advice Needed - 1979 California Bus

I could use some advice from the RAMVA experts on how to get my 1979
Bus (Westfalia Deluxe Camper) back in running condition. Last month
the Bus experienced severe hesitation and lurching and eventually
stopped and wouldn't start. Later that evening it started but had
restricted power and would lurch when put under load. I experienced
symptoms like this 20 years ago with my previous 1979 Bus, and the
problem was solved the first time by replacing the Air Flow Meter. A
recurrence was solved by replacing the temperature sensor.

This time, my mechanic replaced the temperature sensor and made a
number of other minor fixes to the fuel injection system. Nonetheless,
it still showed some hesitation and decreased responsiveness. Within a
week it failed completely preceded by the same lurching symptoms I
experienced when it first failed.

The Bus is now back in the shop in need of a solution. Though I
suspect the Air Flow Meter could be the problem, my mechanic wants to
replace the ECU - and he gererally knows these things far better than
I do. The problem is that my Bus is a 1979 California Bus, and many of
the fuel infection components are not compatible with the 1979 Federal
Bus (I still have my old 79 in the back yard).

There are several things I would like to know:
1) What source would you recommend for replacement parts?
Specifically, the ECU is Bosch 0280000182 with a VW ID # 039906021D
and the Air Flow Meter is, I believe, a Bosch 0280200022.
http://www.type2.com/library/fuel/ecuswap.htm gives some information
on the incompatibility of the ECU with the Federal 1979 Bus and
earlier years.

2) Since parts are getting harder to find, is there a recommended way
to replace much of the fuel injection system for this 79 Calif. Bus to
essentially make it a 79 Federal Bus or something else which would be
easier to maintain? Which components would have to be replaced? We're
leaning toward replacing just the malfunctioning part or parts, but
we're definitely considering other solutions.

The engine, by the way, was rebuilt in 2000 by Boston Bob and remains
in great shape.

-- Robert Winters, Cambridge MA

Robert Winters wrote:
> I could use some advice from the RAMVA experts on how to get my 1979
> Bus (Westfalia Deluxe Camper) back in running condition. Last month
> the Bus experienced severe hesitation and lurching and eventually
> stopped and wouldn't start. Later that evening it started but had
> restricted power and would lurch when put under load. I experienced
> symptoms like this 20 years ago with my previous 1979 Bus, and the
> problem was solved the first time by replacing the Air Flow Meter. A
> recurrence was solved by replacing the temperature sensor.
>
> This time, my mechanic replaced the temperature sensor and made a
> number of other minor fixes to the fuel injection system. Nonetheless,
> it still showed some hesitation and decreased responsiveness. Within a
> week it failed completely preceded by the same lurching symptoms I
> experienced when it first failed.
>
> The Bus is now back in the shop in need of a solution. Though I
> suspect the Air Flow Meter could be the problem, my mechanic wants to
> replace the ECU - and he gererally knows these things far better than
> I do. The problem is that my Bus is a 1979 California Bus, and many of
> the fuel infection components are not compatible with the 1979 Federal
> Bus (I still have my old 79 in the back yard).
>
> There are several things I would like to know:
> 1) What source would you recommend for replacement parts?
> Specifically, the ECU is Bosch 0280000182 with a VW ID # 039906021D
> and the Air Flow Meter is, I believe, a Bosch 0280200022.
> http://www.type2.com/library/fuel/ecuswap.htm gives some information
> on the incompatibility of the ECU with the Federal 1979 Bus and
> earlier years.
>
> 2) Since parts are getting harder to find, is there a recommended way
> to replace much of the fuel injection system for this 79 Calif. Bus to
> essentially make it a 79 Federal Bus or something else which would be
> easier to maintain? Which components would have to be replaced? We're
> leaning toward replacing just the malfunctioning part or parts, but
> we're definitely considering other solutions.
>
> The engine, by the way, was rebuilt in 2000 by Boston Bob and remains
> in great shape.
>
> -- Robert Winters, Cambridge MA


How about going old skool, replace FI with good old carbs, even an
"upgrade" to 40mm dual Webers or dellortos? Won't be as 'advanced' as
FI, but it will be pretty much bullet proof once dialed in. No
electrical components to fail.

Or if EFI is a must, then maybe a MegaSquirt DIY kit would be a decent
choice. You have the jets, the ECU is maybe 200-300 dollars. Original
ECU is not used.

Jan