The Usual Demise

"....So it may require a full engine rebuild." . I had only been half listening to the list of issues that Lee had discovered on Jezebel and how he had fixed them, until that comment was thrown in. From previous research, I'm aware that an engine rebuild, if done properly, can cost up to £1800 or so for a VW Aircooled T25. It brought the usual gulp. I say usual, as it's not the first time that an expert has told me that she would need an imminent engine rebuild. The first time was a few years ago when she was sounding very rough. An oil change, costing £20 or so seemed to fix it. She's completed two Windy 500's since then. Strangely, it was an oil change before the last European Windy 500 that prompted the last demand for an engine rebuild. Number 1 son, showing his mechanical skills and drowning the engine with several gallons of oil, blowing valves and causing no end of problems. Fortunately the VW community was helpful and I found a new cylinder head for about £20 and John managed to fit it (berating me that it wasn't a Lotus as he did so). So, engine rebuilds, or vehicle death sentences are nothing new.

How my van seems to me

Once more, it seems, after a bit more research under the bonnet (is it still a bonnet, if it's actually a metal hatch under the bed where you keep the engine?) it seems it could just be a dodgy oil pump leaking oil. Not the rocker cover, that I had spent so much time trying to fix. The oil issue is fixed now, apparently.
It always seems to be oil related. I'm thinking of not putting any more in, to see if that will help.
So, we are down to 25 days until the off.  I have some planning details to deal with. I have Windy clothing to distribute. I guess most importantly though, I have a van to collect and make trip ready, assuming she gets through her second MOT of the year today. She did so badly on her first test, she is having to resit it.

Not A Bongo

That van may be a pain, but I was reminded this weekend that using a camper van is so much easier and more enjoyable than going back to canvas. I currently have a huge pile of soggy tent drying in the garden where it got soaked in Blandford over the weekend. The tent took about 45 minutes to put up on my own, which was 45 minutes of drinking and chilling time that I missed out on. I also had to tip toe around at 7am pulling up pegs and extracting poles. God, I hope that damn van is fixed soon.
I met the new addition to this years event too over the weekend. Sarah rolled up in her new snot coloured VW T25.
 It is apparently called Theo and is replacing the Bongo. It's a diesel and therefore is water cooled, not air cooled. Perhaps many VW aficionados will consider it 'less cool' than air cooled, but I'm led to believe Sarah had a much better night's sleep than me and nobody has yet threatened her with an engine rebuild.
We may not have picked up any new teams in recent weeks, but we are still gathering participants. Jo is bringing her little sister Vicky for 4 days. Clare is now joining John in Team Lotus....in the Mini. Raquel is also back in Team Creaseybear. This may be the final line up, but who knows ? Still a few spaces for part or all the trip on some of the teams. Marc is still trying to sell his beloved Pinkie, the Bedford, and included in the price is half price entry to the Windy. We could still have a last minute team entry. 25 days is sometimes a long time in Mystery Tour planning...On the other hand, only 25 days ? Christ, I'd better get my skates on.