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Fuel consumption

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acemarc Casual Dubber

41 posts · joined Jul 2010 ·

#845973
I've had my fastback for a few months now and despite a good tune up I am disappointed with the fuel consumption.
The motor does not blow any blue smoke.
It runs twin solex carbs.
I am told that as the carbs get old, the internal parts wear out and they will use more fuel.
I am open to suggestions. I do not intend on keeping this car standard so even changing to a singe carb setup is an option, I never use the boot anyway.

68AutoBug Beetle Restorer - Experience over 138\% - YIKES --

11,654 posts · joined Aug 2002 ·

#845982
acemarc wrote:I've had my fastback for a few months now and despite a good tune up I am disappointed with the fuel consumption.
The motor does not blow any blue smoke.
It runs twin solex carbs.
I am told that as the carbs get old, the internal parts wear out and they will use more fuel.
I am open to suggestions. I do not intend on keeping this car standard so even changing to a singe carb setup is an option, I never use the boot anyway.

Hi
aircooled VWs were good on economy with the 1200 & 1300 engines...
but once they went to 1500 and then 1600 the economy
went out the door....
the twin solexes were good carbies in the 70s...
If all the linkages etc are oiled and kept lubricated..
they will last a very long time..
I oil My carby every month or so, and at least at every oil change.. 3,000klms...

the rarbies can be rebushed etc...

If You are using a 009 distributor..
there goes Your fuel economy out the door...

You need an SVDA single vacuum dual advance..
they really make a difference.... aircooled.net sell SVDA

cheers

LEE
- Helping keep Air Cooled VWs on the road - location: SCONE in the Upper Hunter Valley - Northern NSW 320 kms NNW of SYDNEY---

Lucky Phil Wolfsburg Wizard

480 posts · joined Aug 2010 ·

#845995
The distributor is the heartbeat of the engine.
The vacuum advance is there solely for economy and is prone to dying from old age.
It can be tested easily by putting the vacuum line in your mouth and watching the distributor breaker plate move.
Put your tongue over the end and it should stay in place.
009 distributors do not have a vacuum advance fitted, hence the lack of economy. Good for going flat out though!

Veedubunlimited are now advertising a genuine(?) Bosch distributor rather than the lower quality repro's at about US$169.
I am rather keen to find out what they are like.
With a US order pending I might just get one.

matberry Moderator Go hard or go home

8,114 posts · joined Mar 2006 ·

#846000
^^^ good advice. Go the vac dissy and get an experienced VW shop to give the engine a service and tune.

Also, is your speedo accurate?

A client of mine with a freshly rebuilt engine is finally seeing 10.8 litres/100km with thier stock 2.0 litre Kombi, so you could get better in your type 3 if the engine was in good nick and tuned properly.
Matt Berry Motorsports...air cooled advice, repairs and mods Ph 0408 704 662
OFF-ROAD,CIRCUIT,DRAG,STREET,ENDURANCE

waveman1500 Also rides a Honda

1,346 posts · joined Dec 2009 ·

#846032
You say you're disappointed, but what kind of fuel usage are you actually getting? The late Type 3s are pretty heavy and will use more fuel around town than a bug, but should do better on the highway. Mine did about 12 or 13 litres/100km in town and better than 10 litres/100km on a longer trip. They are old cars and fairly heavy for their engine size so if you are used to the fuel consumption of modern 4 cylinder cars you will be disappointed!
1972 VW S-Bug - For Sale!
1968-onwards Beetle panels and glass for sale

Bizarre Moderator The artist formerly known as blue74l

12,785 posts · joined Aug 2002 ·

#846033
Also check you speedo aginst those 5km markers on the freeway

Mine have been up to 20% short

But around town I would be surprised if you were getting better than 12-13L per 100kms

Dual webers or Dels would be a better op[tion than a single
Futue te ipsum!!!

ian.mezz I never said, I could write or spell

3,913 posts · joined Sep 2004 ·

#846068
our 2010 Toyota SR5 V6 hilux uses about 11l per 100 and towing a trailer with a beetle on it about 16L/ 100
It about the same as our 1916 beetle uses 😂😂 , thats why its cheaper to tow it 😂🤪😂
😂🤪😂🤪😂
car forums. where a lot of peoples good intentions end up taking a good old car off the road forever never ever to see the road again. 🥲

ian.mezz I never said, I could write or spell

3,913 posts · joined Sep 2004 ·

#846070
you could fit a subaru motor, on Hwy about 7L/100 @ ABOUT 3000RPM with plenty power to spare as they rev to 7000rpm no prob.😊😂😊
😂🤪😂🤪😂
car forums. where a lot of peoples good intentions end up taking a good old car off the road forever never ever to see the road again. 🥲

acemarc Casual Dubber

41 posts · joined Jul 2010 ·

#846132
Thanks all. From my calc's, I am getting around 12-13l/100k. I see that I cannot expect too much as yes, they are heavy, but having owned a 73 BMW30.si I somehow thought this would be cheaper to run.

By the way, if you have money to burn on parts, a 3.0si is a beautiful car.

Bizarre Moderator The artist formerly known as blue74l

12,785 posts · joined Aug 2002 ·

#846134
My mate had a 3.0

Best beemer in my books
But yes - reckon they would be a bitch to get parts for
Futue te ipsum!!!

Klaus Custom Title Time!

1,439 posts · joined Aug 2004 ·

#846175
good fuel economy whats that ha ha , 2110 in a lowlight dc with tray full of bay parts dual 44's big heads cam think i did 180kms and used 35ltrs 🙂 doesnt help sitting on 110-130km/h cruising along

mnsKmobi Wolfsburg Wizard

589 posts · joined Aug 2002 ·

#846220
Have you tested the compression?