Today, Richard Atwell came over to help me diagnose the fuel pump noise problem. Conclusion was that the tank is probably clogged. Great.
In any case, I took the opportunity to enlist Richard's help in refreshing my shifter. Installed a new front shift rod bushing, cleaned and regreased the shift lever and front shift rod, and reassembled and adjusted the lot.
What a difference! The shifter engages well, solid H pattern, no slop, no thunk!
I highly recommend this refresh to any Bus owner. It's not difficult to do. You can buy a shift rod bushing kit from Bus Boys for under $20.
My rubber seat pedestal mats were in really bad shape. I was unable to find replacments for a Westy (rotating passenger seat means you can't use standard mats).
So, I decided to carpet them. Photos and details here.
Old fuel pump was making noise, decided to install a new one.
Ordered a new Bosch unit from Bus Depot. Installed it along with a new fuel filter.
Unfortunately, the pump noise is still there. I am now suspecting that my tank outlet is clogged.
Bought new tires today, all 5. On recommendation from Buslab, I called the guys at the Firestone shop on University Ave. in Berkeley. They quoted me a price of $50/tire + tax + mount/balance (+ $6/tire for road hazard protection). Warranty is 50,000 miles.
The tires are Capitol SV-820 185R14C 99P.
I snapped some photos of the spare.