Newbie buying a Brazilian Bay in Brazil for big trip

Hi everyone

I'm new to all of this watercooled business. I'm in the process of trying to buy a 2013 model in Brazil right now. Not camperised. Basic model. 1.4 watercooled engine.

It looks to be in great condition with 74000km (46000 miles) on the clock.

I plan to drive all around South America in it. I have been reading through this awesome forum for a while now and have got lots of great tips (especially what spare parts to bring - thanks!)

I was wondering if there are any more tips for me? How often should I change the oil? How long should I expect things to last - i.e. cables/belts/clutch/gearbox etc? I'm not very knowledgable about cars so sorry if I say some stupid things that don't make sense.

Should I get the underside sealed? Waxoil? I read the post about that - not sure I'm the right person to do it myself so I may need to find someone to do that for me. Do you think it is essential?

Any other essential things for me to consider? The van is currently with the garage from where I'm buying it and I could ask them to sort out any small things for me.

I may not have any mechanical knowledge but I'm not new to the world of travelling and camping have previously driven an aircooled 1976 model from South Africa to Wales.

Thanks in advance for any tips and tricks. Particularly with regards to maintenance to keep it on the road as long as possible with as few issues as possible.

Hey Gareth - that sounds like a lot of fun. We'll need some pics of your epic adventure please?!

First question is what are you intending on doing with the Kombi once you've finished your trip? If you're leaving it there in Brazil, I wouldn't worry about undersealing it, it won't need it there.

Depending on the conditions, you may want to change the oil every 8000kms. Just make sure the front suspension is regularly lubricated. The King and Link Pin set-up is well suited to the Brazilian roads, but you'll get a much better ride if it's regularly greased by the various points.

I know nothing about mechanics, but I know a fair amount about travelling in South America. If you need to know about any routes/ terrains happy to help if I can.

(Former life was a tour guide out there...)

Very envious....

Hi Gareth what part of Wales are you from. Tim

Hi & welcome

Thanks for the tips on oil change and suspension. Any other maintenance tips? Oil filter or air filter changes?

Also, on my 1976 bus the accelerator cable snapped twice! Does that tend to happen on the Brazilian ones?

I think I might try shipping the Kombi back to the UK when I'm finished.

Any tips for South America would be great.

I'm from the Rhondda Valley in Wales.

Thanks guys.

No accelerator cable on a Watercooled Kombi - the throttle is electronic.

It's the clutch cable you want to worry about!

Change the oil filter everytime you change the oil.

Air filter - once a year unless conditions are really dusty.

If you're about to embark on a massive journey, get the cambelt changed before you go.

The 1.4 is a modern engine with modern engine service intervals, but it does work hard pushing a large vehicle. The suspension is however based on a much older design so will need regular regreasing.

Any other servicing needed when changing the oil? How long does the cam belt last? What other belts are in the engine? Any others. My old one just had the one!

Unfortunately the manual will be in Portuguese. But I'm just looking at some links on here for English ones. Are there many different types of engines? This one is Flex fuel. Are they all like that?

Also what kind of oil do I need? Incidentally, how heavy is the vehicle? Should be interesting going up steep gravel mountain passes with 1.4 litres of power!

Thank you so much for your help guys. Hopefully I'll be a kombi genius by the time I get back to the UK!

WelshGareth wrote:

Any other servicing needed when changing the oil?  How long does the cam belt last? What other belts are in the engine? Any others. My old one just had the one!

Every time you change the oil, lubricate the suspension and regularly check the coolant level.

WelshGareth wrote:

Unfortunately the manual will be in Portuguese. But I'm just looking at some links on here for English ones. Are there many different types of engines?  This one is Flex fuel. Are they all like that?

Just the one, it's from the VW Fox - 1.4 Flex Fuel.

WelshGareth wrote:

Also what kind of oil do I need?  Incidentally,  how heavy is the vehicle? Should be interesting going up steep gravel mountain passes with 1.4 litres of power!

Fully synthetic 5W30 oil. I don't have the exact weight to hand but it's about 1400kgs.

WelshGareth wrote:

Thank you so much for your help guys. Hopefully I'll be a kombi genius by the time I get back to the UK!

Of that there is no doubt.

The cam belt should be replaced after 5 years or 50k miles. Ours is 2011 and will be replaced at its next service in May. I think it's just that and the fan belt.

As far as I know there is just the one type of 1.4 engine in our kombis, they are all flex fuel.

1.4l sounds small but it has plenty of power for regular driving. Not sure about steep gravel tracks though, we tend to stay clear of those!

There are threads on here that deal with oil and weights etc

New Gearbox oil would be wise before you set out
osg

osg wrote:

New Gearbox oil would be wise before you set out
osg

Semi-synthetic gearbox oil.

Well after some kerfuffle I've managed to buy my Kombi!  Super excited and happy to have this bus on the road now.  Now I need to prepare for a major road trip around South America!

Thanks for all the advice. Much appreciated.  Now I have to go and buy lots of spare parts!

Great news! You do realise we will all want an update on your travels. Why not start a blog ?

Have a great time

Have a good trip and doo post some pics along the way

WelshGareth wrote:

That missing hubcap is doing my kombi OCD no good whatsoever!

Have an amazing time and yes - keep us updated!

Sounds like a wonderful plan - enjoy.

Hey guys. Sorry for being so distant from this forum, it hasn't always been easy for me to stay online here. I just wanted to thank you all for the advice you gave me to help me on my trip.

I think now the trip is soon coming to an end.

I'm getting the van painted up in a new colour (To be decided) and I'm now considering shipping her home so will hopefully be able to attend some events in the UK.

Although there is a small chance that I could sell here in Colombia.

Since I bought the amazing van I have managed to drive across Brazil, Bolivia, into Argentina and Chile, back into Bolivia, Peru, Ecuador and Colombia. A great trip full of many great place.

Thanks again and hope to see you soon.

Cheers

Gareth

Sounds like the trip of a lifetime Gareth - good to hear from you!!

Cheers!

It's been a blinder. I'm looking forward to seeing the new paint job. It'd Colombia so gonna take 25 days!! Hahaha. I can just relax in the sunshine while I wait for the work to be done.

Just hope I can get it imported without too much trouble. I've been reading some info on the forum here but not got the most definite of answers, apart from that I need an IVA test. I'm reading more about that now. It seems I may need a heated windscreen and rear fog light to pass the test. I'm sure there are lots of other things too. Emissions things as well maybe?? Not sure. Gonna use my 25 days to research.