>From: Jennifer Christensen <mattc1@PTD.NET>
>
>Hello list ,I recently bought a 80 westy w/ the 1+3 cylinders valves
>burnt. My mech
>replaced and ground the valves -he said the heads had been welded but
>where usable. My problem is that i can bring the van up to 45 but whene
>i shift to 4th 50 is as
>fast as i can get it even on a slight dowhill grade 53 is tops.

Jennifer, I have a '81. ndependent of the goodness of the engine, you might
want to change your shifting: shifting into 4th at 45 mph is too low. Try
shifting at around 50/55 mph. The aircooled engines need the air to cool
them and the 'faster' the engine runs the more air is sucked in. It will be
sufficient to "cruise' at 45 in 4th but for "aceleration" ( almost an
oxymoron for a Westy) :-)  45 mph is too low. I think you are
"undertorquing" the engine.

        Karl.

Karl
'81 Westy "Jenny"
Wilmington, DE