Engine Trouble : 1958 VW Bus

[cbbond]

Dear Forum Members:

While driving I snapped the fan-belt on my 36 horse motor (1958 Type 2Pickup). In order to save a huge towing bill, I drove my truck home with no generator or cooling system. I only drove 2 miles, but the engine was definitely smoking by the time I turned the motor off. I did replace the belt the next day and the engine fired up just fine.

However, my truck is now missing (i.e., bogging) between 1st and 2nd gear and 2nd and 3rd gear, etc. Also, my truck has a bad exhaust leak and back fires.

I am taking the car to my mechanic, but my mechanic is not a specialist on air-cooled motors.

Should I ask my mechanic to test the engine compression before he works on the exhaust and tune-up procedures? How can I troubleshoot this engine issue with my mechanic.

Please help.

Thanks,

[kmohr3]

You should definitely have the valves adjusted by a knowledgeable VW mechanic. I have seen many air cooled motors have tight valves after being overheated - check this first! Running with tight valves can furthur damage the engine if not adjusted soon.