howard quigley writes:
> 
> "The carb throttle plate is leaking and because of the leak it is going to run
> very rough, tune-up or not.  The plate in question is unique to the '72 and
> has not been manufactured for quite some time.  For this reason (amongst
> others I don't know about) the '72 is not a desireable year to own.   
> We send them out to have the throttle shaft bushings re-built (he might
> have said to Remco?) It's going to cost $250 to have them re-built and another
> $200 or so in labor charges."

Outrageous.  I had a 73 Capri with the throttle bore so worn it was oval
shaped.  Still idled smooth and steady at 800 rpm.  I think this thing
with worn throttle shaft bores is *way* exaggerated.  But I'm sure some
automotive "expert" will flame me for saying that.
 
> So, is Gunther blowing smoke up my tail pipe?.  After the wheelin' in 
> Baja I would not be too suprised about this or any other leak, but is 
> this a problem on the '72's and is his price estimate accurate?  

I'd say it's about an hour's work to R&R the carbs, and $50 for a shop
to re-bush the throttle bores.  Should top out at $150.  Max.  I'll do
it myself for that kind of money.  I'm only an hour and a half from you.

 																	Is 
> there any other solution?  The '72 has dual carbs, would converting 
> to a single larger carb be a better solution, or would the CA smog 
> test prohibit this?

Yes, and Yes, unless you are not concerned with emissions legality for
whatever reason.

> I've been planning on spending some bucks on a nice paint job and 
> redoing the interior (not to mention the Westy pop-top I asked about 
> lately), but with this seed of doubt planted about the inferior year 
> of manufacture, would the cash be better spent on another bus?

Nope.  I've been thinking about it lately, and I'm kinda wishing I had a
72 instead of my 73. Less smog and I don't really care about the access
hatch.  I guess a 71 might be considered a better year, but each year
has its strong points.  Not worth starting over for, IMHO.

-David

P.S.  I can give you a source for the idle cutoff solenoids for about
$20 each, and used ones are plentiful at the boneyards, if you ever have
that problem again.

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David Schwarze                     '73 VW Safare Custom Camper  (Da Boat)
San Diego  (Actually La Mesa)      '72 VW Westfalia Camper      (Da Project)
California, USA                    '73 Capri GT 2800            (Da Beast)
e-mail: des@teleport.com           '87 Mustang Lx 5.0           (14.17@99.34)
http://www.teleport.com/~des       '93 Weber WG-50              (Da Piano)
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