1973 VW Campmobile Ford Cologne 2.8L V6 conversion

dfmastin · Oct 7, 2015

Hey Rangers,
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=639330&highlight=
I have a vw bus with one of "y'alls engines" or I should say an engine y'all may be familiar with. My VW forum friends are pretty great and I'm making good progress learning about my vehicle but I am almost a complete noob when it comes to autos and engines. I've changed the fuel filter and fuel pump, but that's about it. You can see pictures via the link above. I found on this page: http://www.therangerstation.com/tech_library/2_8L_Performance.html
that I'll need 5 quarts for an oil change. Does that sound correct and what oil would you suggest? If you have any thoughts or suggestions about this engine please let me know. Thanks David

Kevin Evans · Oct 9, 2015

5 quarts sounds correct. I just filled it and checked the dipstick (then drove it and added a little more).

I used 10w-30 dino oil since it was pretty cheap at Costco and in my mind, it would probably work just fine for the engine. I did read that a couple of people were using 40 weight though. YMMV.

Doing a valve adjustment seemed to change how the engine runs quite a bit I noticed, so if that hasn't been done in a while, you ought to do it. Also remember to buy a new valve cover gasket before you do it :icon_thumby:

If you'd like, I can scan the service manual page on this.

Good luck!

PS:
I did notice the pressure gauge is a little high using a non-motorcraft filter (I think I bought one of those high-milage filters). The correct filter is the Motorcraft FL1A.

dfmastin · Oct 9, 2015

Thanks Kevin! I very much appreciate your thoughts. What service manual do you have? I should get one. All my VW manuals have aircooled engines.

Kevin Evans said:
5 quarts sounds correct. I just filled it and checked the dipstick (then drove it and added a little more).

I used 10w-30 dino oil since it was pretty cheap at Costco and in my mind, it would probably work just fine for the engine. I did read that a couple of people were using 40 weight though. YMMV.

Doing a valve adjustment seemed to change how the engine runs quite a bit I noticed, so if that hasn't been done in a while, you ought to do it. Also remember to buy a new valve cover gasket before you do it If you'd like, I can scan the service manual page on this.

Good luck!

PS:
I did notice the pressure gauge is a little high using a non-motorcraft filter (I think I bought one of those high-milage filters). The correct filter is the Motorcraft FL1A.

Kevin Evans · Oct 10, 2015

I have the Ford Ranger/Bronco II shop manual that I found on eBay: http://m.ebay.com/itm/281626783860?_mwBanner=1

dfmastin · Oct 10, 2015

Just got advice from a friend and he suggested new plugs, wires, and valve cover gaskets due to oil seepage. I should probably at least think about a valve adjustment if I'm replacing the valve cover gaskets. Nice manual. I guess I'd be good with any vehicle's manual that uses this engine. Lemme see what I can find and thanks for your advice! :icon_thumby:

Kevin Evans said:
I have the Ford Ranger/Bronco II shop manual that I found on eBay: http://m.ebay.com/itm/281626783860?_mwBanner=1

dfmastin · Oct 10, 2015

Any favorites for spark plugs and wires for this engine? Or just head to parts store and let them fix me up? Please direct me to a thread if this has been covered. Thanks!

kimcrwbr1 · Oct 11, 2015

Spend the dime and get motorcraft SP-486 and a set of bosch plug wires 09616
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Spark-Plug-Wire-Set-BOSCH-09616-fits-86-92-Ford-Ranger-2-9L-V6-/331675211439?hash=item4d396216af&vxp=mtr

kimcrwbr1 · Oct 11, 2015

autolite single platinum AP-105 are also really good plugs

shane96ranger · Oct 11, 2015

I've always had good luck with the Motorcraft wireset (WR4010C) and their aforementioned plugs (SP-486). I would also suggest using the Fel Pro Permadry rubber valve cover gasket set (VS50115R). If your experience is like mine, the cork gaskets are awful, and you'll be replacing them every couple of years - if not more frequently.

dfmastin · Oct 11, 2015

Thanks Shand and Kim. I appreciate your suggestions.
I went with what the part store had in stock regarding wires and with plugs I went with nickel as l'm not sure about my ignition coil and VW folks caution against the plat and iridium plugs.
Installed NGK V-Power plugs.
Also installed some generic (Omnispark) plug wires.
I also purchased a distributor cap and rotor, but the cap I bought had screws and the one I have installed has straps, so I put that on hold.

wildbill23c · Oct 30, 2015

Hmm, this is odd that someone would swap a 2.8L V6 into something...course I guess coming from the original VW engine the 2.8L V6 would be an upgrade I assume LOL.

I've had 2 vehicles with the 2.8L V6, a Bronco 2 and a Ranger. The engine itself is bulletproof...the stuff attached to it...i.e. computer, and carburetor are problematic after a while.

Yes, the engine uses 5 quarts of oil for a complete oil change...I think its like 4-1/2 if you don't change the filter...but at that point why bother changing the oil if you don't change the filter too LOL.

Stock form its a 170.4 CID, approximately 130 to 160HP.

1973 VW Campmobile Ford Cologne 2.8L V6 conversion

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