byronbus wrote:I started to have problems the other day, symptoms were like a fuel problem, really bad miss, wouldnt drive at all, could get it to idle but not drive. So check everything fuel related, still the same problem. Thinking maybe its the codensor, so swap distributor with a brand new one i just happen to have lying around...makes a massive improvenment. Set the timing and is heaps better but not perfect, set the timing again, still the same, get a mate to do it, still the same, maybe even a little worse...so what have i missed?
Two more problems now...
There is a fare bit of oil leaking from near the distributor...and its mucher hotter than i remember it should be...
And there seems to be a bit of play when i turn the pully, the rotor button doesnt move straight away, how much movement should there be?
Help much appreciated...
I'm not the world's greatest amateur mechanic but some of this makes sense to me, so for what it's worth, here goes. (Feel free to skip to the next post ...)
First the easy ones.
If the engine's missing and there's something wrong in the tuneup it's going to run hotter than if it's running smoothly.
Also, if it's leaking near the distributor, loosen the mount and check to see that the shaft's fully engaged with the engine ... not just part way in.
I'd suggest replacing the rubber o-ring part way down the distributor shaft while you're at it.
With regard to timing, condensors etc., Muir asserts that points and condensors should always be replaced as a pair.
Check spark plugs - make sure it's not running too rich.
I would also disengage the auto-choke on the carby(s). This has buggered up the running in our beetle more times that I can think of. Just make sure that you warm it up for a minute or two each time you take off in the morning.
I'd also be inclined to do the valves - make sure you get them cold, before the engine's been run on that given day. But they shouldn't be the cause of really bad missing.
Most times when we've had our beetle or kombi running so badly it's been down to something really simple with the tuneup - usually points / timing or carby.
It's just a matter of being patient and paying real attention to detail.
Good luck.
Tom
