On Fri, Nov 27, 2009 at 12:34 AM, Zoltan <thewestyman@gmail.com> wrote:
> I remember putting a greasy rag on the end of a stick to lubricate the
> bushing above the gas tank.
> Z
>

Lucky me, I can lube that part via the vent hole at sill. (Westy was
air cooled. Removed the duct there. Pic of plastic duct coming out):

http://sites.google.com/site/tubaneil2/LeaveInHeaterPart.jpg

Bill. The pic shows the bushing I think Mr. Zoltan refers to.

Prior to gaining easier access, by lowering the clam shell/spare tire,
I found enough room to spray lube this part. I'm sure grease sticks
around better, but I just spray chain lube type stuff (lube that
sticks around) onto this bushing whenever I'm "in there" working.

You can see how mine is getting pretty worn. Still works though.

I suspect though, that grinding means some kind of metal on metal contact.

Isn't that bushing NLA? Anyone? IF so, and yours is failing, there was
a thread over on the Samba about that type of part. And, it may be
that Ken W has that part (recent thread here)

How's the engine?  :)

Neil.
--
Neil Nicholson '81 VanaJetta 2.0 "Jaco"

http://tubaneil.googlepages.com/

http://groups.google.com/group/vanagons-with-vw-inline-4-cylinder-gas-engines