Volkswagen: Bus Problems, vacuum hoses, waffle iron

Question
Dear Mr Wolf: I have a VW 1977 2000CC FI Bus. The problem I am having, is that I can not go more than 40 MPH. I check all the vacuum hoses and they are good and change the distributor cap and rotor.This problem started after I had the bus repainted. My second Question I leaving to go overseas for three years, what should I do to properly storage my bus. It's going to be storage outside in south Texas. Thanks for the help Dan Czerniak P.S I am use Robert Bentley VW service manual

Answer
Hi Dan,

Here are the most common problems of slow speed:

1) Clogged fuel filter
2) Valves out of adjustment
3) Timing the distributer (properly)
4) Also, that thing by the battery that looks like a waffle iron...has a black rubber bellow stuck to it.  Check in between the bellows, they crack, and the painter could have hit it.
5) A spark plug lead fell off by the engine
6) A fuel injector plug fell off, or is not properly pushed into it's hole (common)
7) Check every single vacuum hose (especially the one on the left that goes to the power brakes.  You must look slowly and carefully, or you could miss a simple fix.
8) Finally, make sure your accelerator linkage is giving the bus full throttle when you press the pedal to the floor.
You need two people to do this.

Let me know, so we can get her back to full speed before you go.

As far as storage,

1) Put 2 cans of dry-gas in the fuel tank.  Run the bus for about 20 mins.
2) Make sure all the wheels are off the ground, so the bands don't bend on the radial tires. (Safely) Take the emergency brake off, so it does not jam on you.

Please let me know how you make out.

Good Luck, well get it in ship-shape condition.

Ron