Will it START after 20+ YEARS? OLD VW Fire Truck Engine ONLY 86 HOURS!

Will it start after sitting for 20+ years? That is the question for this episode involving this old VW Bedford Fire Truck Pump Engine with only 86 hours from new. This special order Australian built offroad fire truck was something I rescued from the junkyard last year and I am slowly fixing it up to make it usable again. These trucks were used in off road applications across various parts of the world, including the army and military applications by various nations. This one is in surprisingly good condition and has only done very little work.

[@steammachine2136]

The Bob Ross of mechanics

[@midway27272727]

"Bob Ross" you're aging yourself :)

[@matty_isthemotto]

Legit

[@DSGMATT]

Great comment 😂 It’s so relaxing to watch

[@TheTomyossarian]

Seriously. Very relaxing.

[@stephensmith6055]

Underrated comment

[@madusan1]

Canadian here... so just an observation: when you see an Australian sweating you KNOW it has to be hot!!! Loved the video. Cheers from Vancouver 🇨🇦!

[@alans.7733]

Bruce, you’re a absolute youtube gem. Thanks for taking us along with you again. Thoroughly enjoy your videos.

[@QuantumTime-pc9ts]

Using an old fire extinguisher to fill up an old water pump is just classic, love the methodical way you work on these old engines.

[@user-xl5np5dp8n]

I don't know how anyone can get along without a rural fire truck. Now I want one....

[@johnwesner3935]

Hey Bruce, I'm watching from Wisconsin. I worked as a mechanic and now that I'm retired I also pick up old trucks and put them back on the road. I'm currently rebuilding a 1965 Ford F350 with a small dump body. I've got the chassis pretty well road worthy and now I'm repairing body rust getting ready for some fresh paint. Hopefully by July I'll have her ready to go. Thanks for the videos! It's nice to see you're respect for these old girls!😊

[@mickburns5546]

The previous mechanic put grease on the fitting. Remember, the next guy is sometimes yourself. Wasps and snakes? Welcome to Australia 😊😊

[@1BIGFROGGY]

105 degrees Fahrenheit and 90+% humidity. Weather good for snakes, wasps, working on old trucks and drinking beer to heal the pain of the snake and wasp bites! 🤩🤩🐍🐍🕷🕷 🛻🚚🍺🍺

[@Midnight_oil125]

Thx Bruce from Vancouver Island, Canada

[@bruceinaus]

Hi there, and thanks for the support

[@KevinLyons-gn7eu]

@@bruceinaus what is your age

[@reuben9213]

You do one thing most don't have Bruce and it's the key pretty much to everything . Patience 😁

[@larsoned1]

This is one of my new favorite channels. Really appreciate the historical knowledge on all these old trucks combined with the mechanical know how and bringing them back to life! I currently do motorcycle restoration and this is fascinating to me.

[@lukewilliams1188]

I love your work and attention to detail. I used to work for a small business restoring old VW buses, bugs and MG's etc, here in South Africa. My mentor would smack me upside the head if i missed a bolt or forgot to clean a thread😂 skills you don't see in the new era of the motor industry. Amazing to see the care and thought you put into your work. Thanks for the good content!

[@1Longranger]

Respect for a man who can get an old dirty carb working by 'hand' choking to get a workable mixture. There aren't many of us around!

[@anagonda6747]

Thatś old trick ;-) This man is wizard...

[@jimrio3628]

Bruce, I love the methodical approach you take by checking everything prior to starting the engines that sat idle for years. This way there is no disappointment or damage. Steve at Steve's place down under is a good friend. We communicate often and tells me you guys talked over 2 hours. I appreciate your calm demeanor and your explanation of what you are doing. Love to see a video of you guys together. I always give you a like. I'm 68 and you remind me of my grandfather. He was a good man and a great grandfather. Be good. Jim from Connecticut

[@user-zj6uq4ks8e]

A BIG thumbs up to you and Steve for the things you BLOKES do. Keep up the good work.

[@robleary3353]

Always an education!. Bril, Nuff said.🙂

[@lewiemcneely9143]

A FINE job and I wager the old VW is purring by now. When I was in the Army I ended up while in my 1st duty station driving a 5-ton 6x6 with a 2500 gallon water tank on the back and a 4 inch Marlow pump pulled by a V-4 Wisconsin motor. It was a spray truck for watering down roads but I ended up hauling water from a hydrant out to where all the reservists and weekend warriors had their summer camp so they could take showers. I even got to fight a brush fire and wet down some tank trails. Then joined the local fire department and they had a 1942 and a 1948 American LaFrance pumper and a 2 1/2 Army truck with a tank on it. Been jamming gears ever since. So THANKS and I hope you lube those bees up with the WD-40 a little. CHEERS!

[@Neil-ru7kw]

Hi Bruce . When I was 10 (1960) a song was getting played every day in the Los Angeles Ca. area that myself and the other kids loved and sang along to . I'm sure you know it . "Tie me kangaroo down" was a big hit . Cheers and take care , Neil

[@StarlightWorkshop0z]

Unfortunately the singer of that old song went bad and got jailed for shady doings. I haven't heard a song of his on air since.

[@Matt_1975]

😂

[@Matt_1975]

Hi Bruce, were you a fitter in the past? You’re a clever lad, just watching you hand choke reminded me of me as a young fella trying to tune my old HR Holden 😂

[@brianpedersen4714]

Yep..rolf Harris was a paedo

[@tomhudson1409]

Bruce and camera man, thank you so much for sharing these videos. It takes me back to hanging in the shed with my grandad working on old farm equipment on the north coast of NSW. Probably what lead me to become a mechanic my self. Your Aussie ingenuity and humour makes you a national treasure. Cheers!

[@daddybob6096]

Have a cold one Bruce, you have earned it. Bob NZ.

[@woodhonky3890]

If there's one thing I've learned in my lifetime of resurrecting old gas engines that have sat for many years, the carb is ALWAYS knackered and must be cleaned. I hope to see this fascinating water pump pump water!

[@andysparks1973]

100% correct about bees and wasps smelling the sweat. Ive spent long hours prospecting in the bush and they will seek you out and become very persistant at having a drink.

[@wjhjr1415]

Always a pleasure to see a new video from you. Thank you.

[@thorsbyguy5121]

Hey Bruce. For brushing inside battery clamps, I buy a plumbers brush for cleaning inside copper fittings, cut the handle off, and chuck it up in my battery drill. Works very well.

[@stevesplacedownunder]

Hi mate great video again. Thanks for the shoutout. It really means a lot. I have one of these pumps at my place but without the engine. Not sure where I got it. Anyway mate all the best and talk soon

[@AA_RON86]

Hello Bruce all the way from the US!👋👍

[@bruceinaus]

Hello, thanks very much for your support

[@lancenutter1067]

Same! Enjoy the videos! Thanks!

[@nodaklojack]

Yes, I too was hoping to see it spray water. Your demeanor, knowledge, actions remind me much of watching my father work on equipment while growing up on the family farm. Another very enjoyable video, thx for sharing.

[@henryrokstad1125]

Never Sean a starter motor on that volks wagon motor like that before interesting set up

[@matrix54190]

The Jimmy Hendrix of old truck engines👍👍😉 Greetings from🥖🇫🇷 Peter

[@stuartbatcheldor5978]

Mr Bruce, your workmanship and patient approach reminds me of how my Grandpa used to get things done. I thoroughly appreciate and enjoy watching your videos. I do hope that the hot weather subsides.

[@Journeyman53]

Queensland Rail used to use VW motors for portable air compressors. Two of the cylinders had modified cylinder heads incorporating inlet and discharge valves for air.

[@johnmcdonnell81]

You're the man Bruce, a pleasure watching you work.

[@arnorheeder7699]

Respect a real mac, great videos Sir, Arno

[@zakhanson5720]

Man that is one of the best engines for a project bug, I heard that the old industrial vw power plants are like the old ford straight six drive from Brisbane to WA and back happily… great video great find

[@majangkim]

If you ever work with Bruce for a week, you are level up easily worth of 25 years. His tips and explanation worth it all. Only a A MASTER mechanic wears a Gold watch while doing his work.

[@user-cz3ey6hu2g]

Bruce you are an amazing mechanic and you teach me something every video. Keep it up

[@dadyo63]

We use to swap plug leads around to creat a backfire most times it would clear a blocked jet ,then reset leads into correct order

[@mcshane124]

Watching a magician at work

[@aaronkcmo]

Great video! Love the production improvements.

[@irwinthedj]

So much universal useful tips & tricks in a single video! Thank you!

[@Bigbirdlittledog]

Thanks for the video Bruce

[@2wiseib]

love the hand choke - reminds me of my old HD holden and many a time of having to resort to that

[@frankpirri3533]

Bruce thanks so much for all the great videos I really love them

[@MattysWorkshop]

Gday Bruce, it’s almost there and I hope you get that carby sorted, I was speaking to Steve the other day on the phone, he’s a top bloke with plenty of toys to last a lifetime mate, top job, cheers

[@Shadowcify]

Thank you for another great video! Love the content, best regards from Sweden ❄️

[@SteveMack]

Great content! ALWAYS great to come across another Aussie youtuber! I've been doing this for 18 years now (& somehow, still retain a tiny bit of santy!) ;)

[@phillipmonroy]

Great Video Bruce! Looking forward to the next video on the VW Fire Truck. Thanks!

[@54mgtf22]

What a sweet sounding engine

[@flowerstone]

I learned a few things. Good video. 😊

[@JP5isalive]

Brilliant video Bruce. Can't wait to see the next installment. Watching from England. You're great to watch 👍

[@21ringers]

Good on ya bruce 👍 i always learn something from watching your videos. We all greatly appreciate you sharing your knowlage 😀

[@flir67man84]

Great seeing a new video

[@adamm6051]

I fell in love with your channel instantly!

[@EminenceFrontX5]

I love this no nonsense channel, RockOn

[@martinmurphy3868]

Well done good video

[@reddo84]

nice upload mate cheers Jim

[@willhedges2491]

Not sure if you were a firie but your info was bang on. Hello from NSW, good to see fire trucks havent changed as our current fleet at the NSWRFS is identical in function.

[@kymmarshall1116]

Very good advice on using heat near batteries and fuel Bruce 👍🏾🇦🇺

[@bruceinaus]

Thank you

[@banditgrizzy1955]

Can't wait to see er pumping again 👍

[@user-gv2zx5to4n]

Well done mate. Got the 1200 fired up and it sounds good 👍 If the jets are ok it might have an automatic choke which sits behind a little triangle with 3 screws. Under the cover is the spring choke which is like a large spring from inside a watch. They become temperamental for sitting for so long in the one position. Might be worth a little inspection if that when your checking the jets 😉

[@user-yc7gv6cy2x]

Plus I wish every starter motor was that easy to get to 😄

[@user-yc7gv6cy2x]

You are right plugs in!!

[@Golden-dog88]

great job Bruce its blokes like you that get/ keep this old stuff goin again❤❤❤❤ im in NSW and out west still see those W.P signs NEVER knew what they ment so thanx for the info

[@geraldharkness8830]

i do watch steve`s place down under,,very enjoyable im from the uk

[@kerrygleeson4409]

Thanks Bruce have worked on this type of unit way back then they came from Narwhal flushers out of Sydney

[@sarahstahl2913]

Holy crap this bloke is such a legend hey

[@PeteWilliams-sb7nf]

Another great video Bruce,keep em coming really enjoyable.

[@bruceinaus]

Thanks Pete

[@Matty12787]

Some signs are also marked as HWP meaning it'll be useable for Heli's too ie; Helicopter Water Point, depending on the dam and the tree coverage, some dams are only accessible by long line Heli's. My dam is both but would advise not to use it with a fire unit as the scrub around it is highly volatile and thus leaving it for the Heli's (short and long lines). Edit: Forgot to mention, our 'Bush Fire Brigade' now called Rural Fire Service was founded with an old bedford fire truck but the centre was all tank and only had hand rails to hang off either side. Pretty cool seeing another states version!

[@robb5834]

Love ❤ this video hope going want see more

[@downtheshedwithbyron]

Great mate really enjoyed

[@tunder975]

27:44 look of a high tech eyegnostics tool on the face 😂❤

[@alancoller1602]

With that fergy haul out tractor try tap the injector pump the rack may be stuck, and check the stop leaver that may be still pulled out or stuck off. Like your channel.

[@Art-Dean]

No worries Bruce!😊

[@brucelancaster7405]

Your very clever, enjoy your videos 👍👍

[@mischef18]

Enjoyed following along on this mission bro. Look forward to see it pass water. Safe travels. Ken.

[@bruceinaus]

Thanks Ken

[@Stephen-ou4sy]

Doesn't take long to release a wasp in the hand. Steve has some great content. Thanks for sharing, sure is humid in South East Qld lately.

[@johnjordan4647]

A bit hot there old fella. Thanks for the video Bruce 👍

[@user-yc7gv6cy2x]

I know exactly what you’re talking about with the right tools 🛠️ i was a mechanic for 26 years and I definitely know the swivel socket stuff gets u out of trouble and like you say take your time and be patient

[@micklec9769]

G'day Bruce l was familiar with those pumps when l worked at Forrestry in the ACT They were mounted on the back of an Isuzu The engines would run hot after a long period and the fuel would vaporise in the fuel pump The solution was to keep a water bag handy to cool the little pump down !!

[@clarke6436]

Love these vids.

[@codygambin5082]

G'day Bruce you are the sort of mechanic I aspire to be and the type of person I want to learn from. My career may still be relatively young, but I see myself being like this some day

[@Bartman4800]

Bruce, could it be that the idle jet has an electric solenoid? They added those to stop the engine from "dieseling". Great video, and keep them coming.

[@dennis38y]

Another great video Bruce, it must have been hot inside that shed ! Thanks for sharing

[@bruceinaus]

Ha Ha it was hot

[@donaldhalls2189]

Nice old rig, certainly needs some TLC ,thanks for sharing, all the best to you and your loved ones

[@bruceinaus]

Thank you

[@jamesbutler1862]

Love your show man

[@micahedwards1188]

My old boss said 'A rattily tappet is a happy tappet'

[@hazzahales6222]

It’s taken me so many years to find exactly what this is on KZbin, an old Aussie who’s worked the land all his life and it’s the generation that’s getting lost

[@robertpegels8009]

a real volkswagen beetle. There you have some good things from Germany. major service, clean all filters, fluids, battery, new spray/suction hoses and it will last another 40 years, nice to see German stuff in Australia, greetings from the Netherlands

[@tonydoggett7627]

It would be a Australian manufactured VW 1200 engine from the mid 60’s. These engine were also use in Australian army generators from the same era.

[@GaryPArmstrong]

😉It seems you have picked on a Unit that was well maintained, Bruce. Your tips regards oil on the internals with plugs in and with the plugs out was exceptional none the less.

[@zonie70]

Great video Bruce ! I have been waiting for this one . Really unique set up with the VW engine . You should be able to get that engine right without too much more work . I already watch Steves place and Pete-mate . Enjoy watching all three of you blokes . Take care mate , get some rest between videos . Scott 🌵

[@Jonathan-qz9kd]

Hello from the uk! Keep the food videos coming

[@iamjesper]

Great vid. Regards from Sweden

[@toodamsneaky2585]

Recommends to only spin the battery cleaner in one direction to keep from bending. . . . 10:55 proceeds to turn both ways hahahaha that made me laugh. Good stuff!

[@michaelsimpson9779]

Hello again Bruce, Jaycar or RTM make a 12V cailing fan, they don't draw much current and for wjat they are, they move a lot of air, alternatively AEG and a few other brands have battery operated fans, bit of airflow makes the world of difference on these still, stinkingly humid days...... might be to noisy for filming, maybe not.... any way, good to see another video come through. Thanks for what you're doing.

[@-frippu--3926]

Bruce, i wanna see you repair that carb and bring it alive again ! Loved the video but i need moooore :D

[@mrbulkerman]

I've always turned an old motor by hand with the plugs out, never thought about the compression forcing the oil down before but makes perfect sense...

[@mjm7187]

Many great tips Bruce and your easy going manner make it a pleasure watching your videos, I will be checking out Steve's place down under site as well. Looking fwd tothe carb rebuild video if that's in your plan!

[@nevillegoddard4966]

You juuust about got her runnin now mate not long now! 😃👍!

[@mcjdubpower]

Great vid 💯💥 from UK

[@bobroberts2371]

I have ( in the USA) a Sullair rotary screw air compressor with the 1200 VW motor. Be aware that if the belt between the governor and engine breaks, the engine will go to full throttle so adding an electronic over speed controller would be a good idea.