On Sun, Nov 15, 2009 at 2:52 PM, Pat Sloan <pmsloan@shaw.ca> wrote:
> Now that my Otter is about to get repaired and (hopefully) finally licenced
> in BC, I'm thinking about future issues I may want to deal with. I've
> checked out the archives with no success - maybe the wrong key word, who
> knows? So please let know your experiences. It's an 82 Westy with a 1.8
> litre 1987 Jetta engine transplant.
>
> 1. � � �Engine Noise - When I drove the van from Tacoma to Vancouver, BC,
> the engine sounded great. Very smooth, no strange noises coming from
> anywhere. BUT it was incredibly loud. If I'd had a passenger, it would have
> been difficult to carry on a conversation. Not comfortable. My old 73 Westy
> never sounded like this. The tach says no problems there. Are engine
> compartments supposed to be sound-insulated? Has anyone done a
> re-insulation? What is the preferred material, etc? Thnx.
> 2. � � �Side Step - Clearly, I'm too short (5'3") and my knee joints no
> longer wish to flip my up into the van. So I want to get a long side step
> for the passenger sice, and another step for the driver's side. Any
> recommendations on step that will install easily on a van that are also
> sturdy and affordable?
>
> Glug-glug from rainy Vancouver,
>
> Pat
>

Engine bay insulation is important, but there are other common
noise-causing problems that are easily overlooked and cost nothing to
check.  Ensure that there is no physical contact between
engine/exhaust and the body.  Ensure that the intake air snorkel is
present in the rear corner of the van, attached to the air box, and
not separated at the joints.  Ensure that the rubber seal around the
engine lid is intact and that the lid fits tightly with no gaps.  The
steel engine lids are prone to bending around the edge, especially if
you drop them on hard ground.  Ensure that there are no exhaust leaks
or holes in the muffler.

-- 
Michael Snow
1987 Syncro TiiCo
1982 Westfalia 1.9TD
http://slowmachine82.blogspot.com/