Turning corners in my 74 beetle

My 74 beetle doesn't seem to like turning corners, she groans and complains, coughs and splutters when asked to corner (even in 1st gear!) and if the corner is really tight she shuts down completly and refuses to start until she is straight.....

Does anyone know why she is being so so naughty?

Jane still giving you the $h!t$ huh?

fuel starvation? (sounds unlikely) - blocked fuel lines, check the carby float and needle and seat.
a loose wire that moves when the G-forces from the cornering affect it?

Yeah I think thats what her issues were on the night of the Dandenong cruise, but she is starting to get a bit worse

Was gonna drive her to work this morning with the hope of looking at it but man it was cold and too damn foggy ... so i took my subi instead....
hope to have a look at it tomorrow and make sure its not sumfin stoopid going on.

I have heard this happening before...

One was the coil High tension lead shorting out.... and stopping the engine...

Once the RAC man had checked everything in the engine bay, and moved the HT coil lead, the car went again until it shorted out again...

2nd one, the condensor was open circuiting ...
Screw was loose.. I would check all electrics...

3rd One, was a bit of gunk floating in the carburetor and blocking the jets...

Best of Luck....
I wish You lived local...
I would love to troubleshoot this problem...

Lee

68AutoBug wrote:I would love to troubleshoot this problem...

Lee

You freak Lee.... :kiss

was thinking the same thing chris.... lol...
but thanks Lee... will check her over tomorrow and see if things are loose...

thanks again for the advice.

thats what vdubbing is all about - togetherness - helping each other out

should be more of it i say

im thinking its not a fuel line blockage as such unless there is before an inline filter for example - id go straight to the fuel pump or a blockage in the carb - maybe oxidization in the float chamber? blocked jet?

nick

Is there a nut loose behind the wheel 🤪

i'm wondering if she's "bogging down"...running way too rich
has it got worse in the cold weather? maybe related to choke or choke stuck closed?
too lean in idle circuit and you get backfiring down low..right?
too rich in idle cicuit get choking down low and stall....if you slip the clutch and keep the revs up does it go round the corner ok?

i like the avatar phil - nice bug:thumb

Helbus wrote:Is there a nut loose behind the wheel 🤪

hahahaha... yep

phil wrote:i'm wondering if she's "bogging down"...running way too rich
has it got worse in the cold weather? maybe related to choke or choke stuck closed?

no choke. but does it when both cold and warm.

phil wrote:too lean in idle circuit and you get backfiring down low..right?

no backfiring when warm. idles really smooth and drives smooth in straight line.

phil wrote:too rich in idle cicuit get choking down low and stall....if you slip the clutch and keep the revs up does it go round the corner ok?

when cold i have to slip the clutch and rev to keep from stalling... when warm its like it has a flat spot in carb as it tries to die when cornering but if you floor it then it will pull out of the corner and not play up. gentle acceleration will cause it to cough and splutter.

ok.. i had a quick check of all things electrical and nothing seems loose... i removed the connectors from the coil and reconnected to make sure everything was tight.. the fuel line going to the pump has no filter in it so will have to put one in.
The carbie does not look standard so am unsure as to the type.
Does anyone know what is the standard carb for a 1300 for a 1974 beetle?
I was told by the previous owner that it has no choke on it.
Does this point to the problem being in the carbie?

does it do it both on left and right corners?

Could something at the front be squashing a fuel line?

If its happening 1 way and not the other i would say loose wire, if its happening both ways...... thinking maybe carby?

"the fuel line going to the pump has no filter"

answers itself.... blockage in pump more than likely as previously stated - has similar issues but with dual carbs.

see how you go

nick

But there is always fuel in the carburetor fuel bowl to keep the engine going for a few minutes...
normally... unless the float isn't working properly and there isn't enough fuel in the fuel bowl at all times...

The carby should be a SOLEX 30 PICT 2 or 31 PICT 3 or 4
a dirty carburetor can make driving very difficult.. especially if the accellerator pump isn't working properly..

What air filter are You using? its not blocked or partially blocked?? oil can go up the breather hose...

Lee

Helbus wrote:Is there a nut loose behind the wheel 🤪

:kiss

blutopless2 wrote:

Helbus wrote:Is there a nut loose behind the wheel 🤪

hahahaha... yep

I will choose to ignore this!!!! :vader:vader:vader

68AutoBug wrote:Best of Luck....
I wish You lived local...
I would love to troubleshoot this problem...

Lee

Northern NSW is not really that far away at all ..........

mscabrio wrote:

68AutoBug wrote:Best of Luck....
I wish You lived local...
I would love to troubleshoot this problem...

Lee

Northern NSW is not really that far away at all ..........

It IS if You can't turn corners....:P:P:P:P

Lee

MSnursey, check the plug at the bottom of the steering column surround at dash level. Had the same prob and as I turned the wheel it loaded the column and caused intermittant cutting in and out. Drove me mad 'til I found it.

kkknurseytoo

thanks for all the tips peoples.. much appreciated... :thumb

i was speaking to a mechanic yesterday about the problems and he also suggested looking at the fuel line from the bottom of the tank to make sure when the wheel turned it was not squishing the hose in the suspension etc... i will try a few things after work...
i guess if i let it idle and then turn the wheel it will tell me if it is choking the line.

even if it was crushing the line, it wouldn't cut in and out - there should be enough fuel in the carby float... good suggestion though..
good luck

68AutoBug wrote:But there is always fuel in the carburetor fuel bowl to keep the engine going for a few minutes...
normally... unless the float isn't working properly and there isn't enough fuel in the fuel bowl at all times...

The carby should be a SOLEX 30 PICT 2 or 31 PICT 3 or 4
a dirty carburetor can make driving very difficult.. especially if the accellerator pump isn't working properly..

What air filter are You using? its not blocked or partially blocked?? oil can go up the breather hose...

Lee

If the tank has been out, its a common fault to bend the hose going into the tank.... but the engine will keep going until the bowl runs out of fuel.... which is a few minutes....
Another thought.... open circuit...
ignition wire coming off the fuse box....
the connection would have to be loose to do this...
back to electrical again.... either behind the dash or in the engine bay.... or as someone said... under the steering column....

getting closer......:P:P:P:P

Lee

I'd be more inclided to think electrical too...

You're loving this, ain't ya Lee?! 😍

thanks.. will check more tonight.

oval TOFU wrote:I'd be more inclided to think electrical too...

You're loving this, ain't ya Lee?! 😍

I sure do....
I've always been lucky at troubleshooting faults with engines... especially beetle engines....

Keeps the old brain going too....

I don't suppose the coil or the distributor wants to be bright Yellow ??? so they are playing up ??? :P:P:P:P:P


Lee

It's not a vacuum problem is it? A slight vacuum leak that when on partial opening is apparent, but when on acceleration goes away? Does it chug in 4th doing 60kmh?

Is your fuel gauge accurate? Has it got enough benzina?

squizy wrote:Is your fuel gauge accurate? Has it got enough benzina?

lol... plenty o benzene in the tank... does it no matter what the fuel tank level.

68AutoBug wrote:
We aren't sure what carburetor or distributor She has....

Lee

will have a look tonight too... see if that will help.

I have a similar problem in my 1600TP with 34pict. Hesitates even when warm.

I have
put a rebuild kit through the carb.
Changed the 009 for a rebuilt (everything replaced) vacume advance distributor.
Changed HT leads.
Changed fuel pressure settings (it has an electric pump with regulator).
Adjusted the choke.
Disconnected the choke.

All I can now think of is play in the throttle shaft which means I need to run the idle mixture rich to compensate for it. When the engine is hot it also idles high.

I think I'm just left with idle mixture. How about you Blu?

Regards
Brendan

Did You time the 009 dizzy at 32 degrees maximum advance?
as 009s cannot be timed statically at idle...

It should Now be going better with a SVDA Dizzy...

You will have to adjust the accelerator pump on the carburetor... its the little bent piece of wire with a spring on it.... You take the circlip or split pin off and advance it some, so when You push the throttle down, the accelerator pump will squirt in More fuel....

Your carby may be over rich and have too much fuel being injected into the inlet manifold....

Don't forget to oil all the moving parts on Your carburetor
This will stop further wear and help stop some of the leaks from the shafts...

cheers

Lee

71EJVan wrote:I have a similar problem in my 1600TP with 34pict. Hesitates even when warm.

I have
put a rebuild kit through the carb.
Changed the 009 for a rebuilt (everything replaced) vacume advance distributor.
Changed HT leads.
Changed fuel pressure settings (it has an electric pump with regulator).
Adjusted the choke.
Disconnected the choke.

All I can now think of is play in the throttle shaft which means I need to run the idle mixture rich to compensate for it. When the engine is hot it also idles high.

I think I'm just left with idle mixture. How about you Blu?

Regards
Brendan

Check if your manifoldis icing up... take it for a drive and when it's constantly falt spotting, pull over with the engine running, and feel the T-intersection of the manifold. If it's cold, then that's your problem.... you need to either clean out your heat risers or get a new manifold and/or get a electric manifold blanket (they exist)

well... have had a look at a few things... checked all the wiring at the fuse box... all seems tight.
checked the carb and cant find any name stamped on it.. the only markings i have got from it are the numbers 23-3013.8-51
so i have done a search on the internet for carbies etc - hoping it is a serial number or model number of some sort but cant find anything that matches up.

oh... the carb butterfly shaft has a little play in it and i know this would not help the situation.

post a pic

pics coming.... uploading to photobucket......

ok... here are two pics of the carby....

That's a BX-UV1 or 2 series Stromberg carby like you see on old Holdens. That's my thoughts.

Definately not a solex. Do you have another carb that you can swap over? This would surely answer the fuel or electrical question.

Blutopless I posted my problem here with the aim to assist you and get a result myself. Not intending to hijack your post.

The 009 was timed to 32 degrees at around 3000rpm. Accelerator pump has also had multiple adjustments to improve things. Manifold preheat pipis are working fine. (The motor was newly installed at Easter)

It is 100% on what it was originally but still hesitates.

Regards
Brendan

[ Edited on 30-5-2006 by 71EJVan ]

[ Edited on 30-5-2006 by 71EJVan ]

Actually it could even be a BX-OV or a BX-V, it IS a Stromberg. Rebuild kit can be bought from K-Mart for about $15.00. That gives you gasket kit anyway.

71EJVan wrote:Blutopless I posted my problem here with the aim to assist you and get a result myself. Not intending to hijack your post.

no probs... sounds like we have a similar problem

71EJVan wrote:Definately not a solex. Do you have another carb that you can swap over? This would surely answer the fuel or electrical question.

nope... have no spare carbs laying round.

OK Brendan....

that sounds OK for the 009....

I think its got to be the carburetor then.....

What air cleaner are You using? its not blocked?

If You have the correct spark.... correct fuel... and
correct air... it should be going good....

The valves open & shut OK...

You can see the fuel being sprayed down the inlet of the carburetor, when You push down on the throttle or cable end.... Maybe the accelerator pump isn't working??

Lee

Hi Blu,
I've never seen one of those on a Beetle....

I'd say thats the problem....

either somethings worn or loose in the carburetor....

that carburetor was made for 6 cylinder engines I believe
if its off a holden... an "old" holden....

Best thing is to get a Solex carby on Your engine....
or at least another carburetor....

and see if the problem still exists...

Lee

On the bottom of the carby, the very bottom cast iron bit with the bottom shaft running through it will have a code on it - a BX- *** code. That will pretty much work out what 50's-70's Holden it is off. Remembering the smallest one of these motors was 132 ci or about 2.1 litre up to 202 ci or about 3.3 litre then it is likely it is not a good match for the motor. They also love to run on a hot manifold to aid vaporisation, hence why the exhaust and inlet manifolds were actually bolted together on the really old Holdens.

My thoughts is go stock carby.

thanks... so does anyone have a carb to suit in melbourne?

Sorry, gave my last one away to a fellow v-dubber.

Surely someone must have a freebie stockie carby they can help out a loving dub family with? 🙂

Ok

I have a 30/31 Pict with adapter plate

You want to pay for postage it is yours??

Ok - that is Abbotsford SYDNEY not Melbourne

[ Edited on 30-5-2006 by Bizarre ]

Hey Rod

I've got a good 30PICT2 (I'm pretty sure)... dunno if that will suit your displacement though. My instinct tells me it's for a 1300... I drive past Dub-Town (shite Town 😉 ) when i got to Geelong at least once a week.. so I could drop it off for ya if needs be.

[ Edited on 30-5-06 by oval TOFU ]

you need an adapter plate to get a 30 to fit a 1600 manifold.

What motor do you have?? 1300?? TP or 1600??

Chris, if it is the same as the carby off the dead KOC, then it is an original size for 1300 single port.

oval TOFU wrote:Hey Rod

I've got a good 30PICT2 (I'm pretty sure)... dunno if that will suit your displacement though. My instinct tells me it's for a 1300... I drive past Dub-Town (shite Town 😉 ) when i got to Geelong at least once a week.. so I could drop it off for ya if needs be.

[ Edited on 30-5-06 by oval TOFU ]

thanks for the offer bizarre... but i will take up chris's offer coz he is closer...

the motor is a 1300 (haven't looked if single or twin port)

thanks all for your help...

Helbus wrote:Chris, if it is the same as the carby off the dead KOC, then it is an original size for 1300 single port.

Yeh, its the same as the one from the dead KOC.. so Rod, you're in luck!

try driving in straight line only

I saw in the pic that you had an alternator on that motor. Sometimes stock carbs will foul on it. It could be the reason why it is not the stock one on there...

oval TOFU wrote:

Helbus wrote:Chris, if it is the same as the carby off the dead KOC, then it is an original size for 1300 single port.

Yeh, its the same as the one from the dead KOC.. so Rod, you're in luck!

kewl... thanks heaps.. when you want me to pick it up??? can come anyday from friday to monday. :thumb

mr k wrote:try driving in straight line only

hahaha.. tried that one... pretty boring going up and down the driveway tho... :P

EgeWorks wrote:I saw in the pic that you had an alternator on that motor. Sometimes stock carbs will foul on it. It could be the reason why it is not the stock one on there...

haven't really had a close look but will soon find out... thanks for the heads up. :thumb

EgeWorks wrote:I saw in the pic that you had an alternator on that motor. Sometimes stock carbs will foul on it. It could be the reason why it is not the stock one on there...

True dat. I'll let you know when you can come pick it up.. i'll u2u u.. on one condition... you help me out with my semaphores!!

of course!... lol... soon as i get em going i'll let you know.

You may need to flip the accel. pump lever on the rh side of the carby if it hits the alternator, some need grinding too.

Its a really easy carb to take off and blow out, comes off a grey motor that one

Is the carb bolted on securely? I had an instance once when I was taking corners, the carb was loose on the manifold and so leaned out the mixture (to the max) and it hesitated around corners...

will check it out... didn't think to check if the carb was loose.

it'll be fantastic if it's that simple...

what a strange carb to put on :alien:alien:alien:alien:alien:alien:alien

has it ever ran well?

dont really know... have only had the car for a few weeks... we drove it home from Warrnambool and it stuttered and carried on until we were on the freeway and i just assumed it was coz it was cold... When we started it the next day it was really hard to start and took a few minutes to get it fired up. I had planned to have it checked over for anything obvious that needed fixing etc so put it in to be tuned as well. Car is now easier to start - though it still takes a few minutes. so am now wondering if its the carby at fault for all the things that it is doing.
I will change the carb and see what happens.

An update on mine which confirms the play in the throttle shaft.

Did some tweaking yesterday. Richened the mixture and got reasonable response but high idle. Reduced the idle but responsiveness off the mark suffered when hot. It drives ok but the idle is a little high when you pull up. I might play with the settings some more on the weekend.

Brendan

Brendan,

You could try a little bit of grease on Your carby shafts...
to stop the wear and air leakage....

and make sure the automatic choke works....
if you have cold weather....

Does the manifold heat up OK?
that can cause problems, especially in cold weather...

You may be running everything too rich..??

Lee

what do the plugs look like?

Lee,
Manifold preheater is working properly. Good tip on the grease though, some dry lube might assist in the sealing and allow me to tune it better.

I haven't checked the plugs yet. They will be black.