Aussieveedubbers · Tech Talk

Help solving backfire when shutting car down - video added

https://forums.aussieveedubbers.com/threads/65876/help-solving-backfire-when-shutting-car-down-video-added

reub ·

I'm after thoughts/solutions to a problem I'm having with my 58.

It's got a 1916 in it running twin 44 IDFs and MSD 6AL ignition. When turning it off I get a shotgun loud backfire, which as you could imagine is quite embarrasing.

I'm yet to try the MSD suggested fix for run on (installing a ballast resistor) however it's not really running on, just back firing.

I've also checked the exhaust for leaks, for which I think (hope) I've fixed them all.

Any assistance is appreciated. Thanks.

shaihulud ·

Backfiring can be caused by a leak in the intake system after the carburettors.
Try reving the engine when turning it off and see what happens. If it still backfires, I'd suspect an intake leak.


I'm reminded of a mate's 1928 Model A Ford that used to backfire a few seconds after being turned off. We'd turn it off, get out of it and be well away from it when it let off. It was great fun to see people's reaction to a backfirng empty car.

Joel ·

does anyone know what causes the delayed backfire like shaihulud mentioned?
the farm next door has a john deere gator the same as ours but its a petrol and it runs fine but when its hot and u turn it off a good 20secs later it lets rip a shot gun type backfire

always fun when ur not expecting it

reub ·

shaihulud wrote:Backfiring can be caused by a leak in the intake system after the carburettors.
Try reving the engine when turning it off and see what happens. If it still backfires, I'd suspect an intake leak.


I'm reminded of a mate's 1928 Model A Ford that used to backfire a few seconds after being turned off. We'd turn it off, get out of it and be well away from it when it let off. It was great fun to see people's reaction to a backfirng empty car.

OK, floored in when I shut the car off...no backfire... thoughts?

shaihulud ·

If you revved the engine on turn off, and it didn't backfire, what may have happened is that the extra flow of gasses through the engine allowed the hot glowing spark plugs or engine carbon deposits to cool off, so they didn't trigger a backfire of the fuel gasses in the exhaust system, through an open exhaust valve. It takes a few seconds for the fumes in the exhaust pipe to get back to the still glowing hot part in the cylinder. Then----KABOOOMMM!!!!

It's one of the reasons why many modified and racing engines are revved up on turn off. I assume your engine is a bit more potent than stock.

It's especially effective if you keep your foot on the accelerator after a rev up and a turn off. Extra cooling petrol and air to cool the hot spot.

Letting the engine idle for a while before you turn it off, as if you have a turbo to cool down first, might also solve the problem.

ratty 63 ·

shaihulud wrote:It's especially effective if you keep your foot on the accelerator after a rev up and a turn off. Extra cooling petrol and air to cool the hot spot.

Letting the engine idle for a while before you turn it off, as if you have a turbo to cool down first, might also solve the problem.
Ii agree, It is most likely being caused by a hot spot in a cylinder and an excess of unburnt gasses/fuel in the combustion chamber - leading to an explosion through a partly open exhaust valve.

A couple of things that you could check is that the valve clearance is still correct, your timing correct and that your carb(s) are correctly tuned/jetted (ie: not too rich) and are not leaking down the throats when the engine is off.

As a matter of interest - my brother (a VW mechanic) tells me that it is quite common for engines that have had a spark plug helicoiled to do exactly what your engine is doing, as sometimes the end of the helicoil sticks into the combustion chamber creating a sort of 'glow plug' effect. Has your engine has a helicoil fitted?

One last thing - revving an engine as you switch it off causes an amount of fuel to be drawn into the combustion chamber which will not be burnt, which will then wash the oil off the side of the cylinder and dilute the oil in the sump - so this practice should be avoided unless you enjoy re-ringing/re-building your engine on a regular basis 🙅

Hope this helps,

R 🙂

reub ·

Ok - here is a video.

http://www.vwrx.net/video/reubs%20sweet58.wmv

I'll be pulling the carbs and manifolds as it's a suspected gasket leak after the carbs as suggested by shaihulud - noting the high idle speed and slow return to idle after revving - which I failed to mention...sorry

I'll get the hang of this aircooled stuff one day 😀

reub ·

Ok....fixed 2 problems with one solution....

Both 44 IDf's were sucking air through the throttle shaft end bearings.

Idles at 600rpm now with 32 degrees total advance, and no backfire anymore.

Cheers for your replies guys 👍

Bizarre ·

reub-revhead wrote:Both 44 IDf's were sucking air through the throttle shaft end bearings.
How did you fix it??

Baja Wes ·

Nothing like a good Uncle Buck style backfire. My old 44IDF webers wore out the throttle shafts as well, and they weren't really that old. They seem to be pretty crap in that regard.

BUGBOY ·

KaBOOM! LOL😂