My bus first start

This is my 1978 VW bus. I did a top end rebuild (pistons, cylinders, heads) and this is the first startup with all this done. No exhaust, which is why it's so loud. Again, it doesn't idle, but I think it may be due to lack of back pressure at this point. That, or cold start valve. Anywhoo, this is good enough to pull onto a trailer and tow to school, where I'll finish up the exhaust, new CV boots (joints too probably), and get her running right.
The drive was my first time ever driving stick :P I got the gist of it, but never had any actual experience with it. Glad I didn't stall it out on camera. I stalled in reverse trying to back up though.

Thats me in the blue messing with the engine after I start it up. My dad running after me when I drove off haha.

Category:

Autos & Vehicles

Tags:

• VW
• bus
• volkswagen
• volkswagon
• vanagon
• 78
• '78
• 1978
• van
• hippie
• truck
• 2.0L
• 2.0
• 2000
• cc
• FI
• fuel
• injection
• carbs
• first
• drive
• stick
• shift

[1968hambone]

very cool Max....glad you're makin' some progress!

[starbucksmunky]

@1968hambone Thanks Hambone :) when are we gonna see your engine startup?

By the way, I couldn't have started this bus up without your help...thanks a lot :)

[Corollaboi]

Awesome!!! Glad you got her running! Don't go driving it around without the exhaust. It's not good to drive it around without the back pressure that the muffler provides. I'm actually installing a muffler tomorrow on my 72. Then hopefully going through inspection.

Don't forget to replace your fuel lines, you've probably seen the pictures of buses on fire.

[starbucksmunky]

@Corollaboi Thanks, I know about the exhaust, but I had to have it running. My auto body teacher has a full trailer, and he said he'd help me out and tow the bus to auto body so I can finish some stuff, but he told me I have to drive it up on the trailer. So I won't be driving it anywhere...I actually need to get it to auto body to fix the exhaust. I need to reseal it everywhere and one of the manifolds needs to be cut and rewelded around the middle because I got a new head (different space).

[auaiao9]

There's a crack on my screen.

[argoniankid456]

haha nice vw bus! i have 1 and am going to be fixing it up soon. its a 73 camper model and needs a new coat of pant and gloss and rust removed not sure on the engine n shit but its got 2 beds, a sink, old icebox fridge, green shag carpet, table, and plaid seats. all original cant wait just need to learn more about stickshift lol

[Corollaboi]

@starbucksmunky

You are lucky to have those resources,

especially if he has a lift! I just found

an exhaust leak at the heater box.

350.00 down the drain, I'm going to try

wrapping it so I can get through inspection.!

[1968hambone]

@starbucksmunky

not sure on my Type 4...i'm kinda' in the process of gettin' my garden ready for the next few weeks....glad to hear i was of some help dude!