engine was running relatively well, I replaced the cap and rotor on my distributor as they were burnt out. When the new ones went on, the engine would turn over (the starter works) but wouldn't start/run. Put the old stuff back on and again same problem. I replaced the coil as i wanted to anyway and tried again...wouldn't go. Cleaned up the plugs and reassured the wires were in the right firing order and finally a start.. had some smoke so adjusted the idle and got it idling nicely...

Finally decided to give it a go. Upon acceleration up my driveway, the engine dies. So I pulled the fuel pump apart, it was a bit dirty, so cleaned most of it out and put it back together (no obvious damage) .

Gave it another go and I managed to get out of my driveway, definitely does not have enough power and doesn't sound right. Help???

I seem to dig my self into problems all the time...should have left the burnt cap and rotor...it was running fine then

What cap and rotor is on now?

Did the little carbon brush fall out of the cap when putting it on?

If it a vacuum dizzy?
Did you knock the vacuum tube off the carb?

You said the rotor and cap were burnt out, did you touch the points at all ?? And what about the capacitor/condenser on side of distributor ??

Kev

I have replaced the original one with the same cap (same model bosch cap (1235 522 027) ) and the little carbon brush is still on it i think...i'll double check that. It is a vacuum distributor and i made sure all the tubes/wires and leads are in position. I pulled the points out and filed them flat because i didn't have the proper spare (which I will get) but the point gap is correct now, that's when the car started for the first time after installing everything. The points and condenser are relatively new, a few months old, but there was slight pitting which i cleaned up with the file.

The engine starts and idles fine, but as soon as i take off, there is next to no power (acceleration) and it doesn't sound like it did before... a bit muffled in comparison

Have you reset the timing ?

This needs to be done if you have reset the points gap

cleaned the plugs really well and set the gap on them all. after putting them back in...I realised the small screw which secures the points was striped of it's thread and so wouldn't tighten enough..I think that was a contributing factor.

fixed the screw, reset the points gap...put some grease on the shaft etc... Wiped over the rotor and the inside of the cap and put the cap back on..I put the leads back on set the timing (thanks for the reminder Craig Torrens) and it started first go. Idles great again and drives well with power, but I have noticed smoke coming out of the right tail pipe (i have dual mufflers due to previous owner)..upon start there is a large cloud that forms and then settles for a subtle consistent grey/white smoke?

I can also hear an extremely fast but faint clicking noise from the number 2 cylinder area....any ideas?? Valve loose?? valve guide seals letting oil in?

my plugs turn to black very quickly. mainly carbon build up, but occasionally a little oily. Should I be preparing for bottom end rebuild?

Spark plug leads...

if it was going before you fixed it,i would start with a plugs points timing, with the plugs getting black sound like to rich.the thing with an vac leak is you up the fuel to comensate,so make sure the rubber manafold joiners are tight and no leaks check the inlet nuts,and a new condenser
happy vwing