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Fri Oct 30, 2009 8:40 am

Sorry for the stupid question but is there a starting procedure for my new bus? Should I pump the pedal a couple of times or mayby hold it to the floor? (spoiled by fuel injection).

My 69 bay window just arrived and I don't want to bug the prevous owner with a bunch of questions but I know he had to start it to get it on the trailer but now I cant get it to fire up. It turns over.

Also is there a trick to the door locks? I put the keys in but they wont even turn to unlock the doors. I figured the keys just don't match the locks and i'll have to order new ones.

Fri Oct 30, 2009 8:44 am

Couple pumps on the pedal and it should fire right up. Don't hold it to the floor, you'll flood it. As for the keys, chances are the door locks don't match the ignition. Contact Gabvwkey and he can rekey all of your locks to the ignition.

Fri Oct 30, 2009 8:47 am

What year?

1. Keys: Make sure it is in all the way. Sounds obvious, but sometimes they kinda stop, and need an extra push. Also, make sure you have the "ear" (long part) facing the right way. For front doors the long part faces the back of the bus, for the slider, it faces forward. Think "toward the opening" either way.

2. Starting. Carbs can use a little tap or two (or three), but shouldn't require anything too fancy to start up. Don't pump too much.

Fri Oct 30, 2009 8:49 am

Daverham wrote: What year?

Jamesn71 wrote: My 69 bay window just arrived.....

:roll:

Fri Oct 30, 2009 9:01 am

In temperatures above the freezing point of water slowly pump the pedal while starting.

When the motor is warm depress the pedal to the floor(WITHOUT PUMPING) and start.

When temperatures are below the freezing point of water pump several times and then immediately start.

Do not depress the clutch while starting, keep it in neutral with the parking brake on to avoid overworking the starter.

I read that in a manual that came with my beetle and thats always the way I have started my bus, starts first time, every time.

Fri Oct 30, 2009 9:06 am

Also avoid a regime of high revolutions until the motor has warmed up completely(10 minutes of driving)

Fri Oct 30, 2009 9:12 am

http://www.thesamba.com/vw/archives/manuals/aug68bus/page20.jpg

Fri Oct 30, 2009 10:40 am

Thank you all. I'll give it another shot after work tonight. :lol: :)

Fri Oct 30, 2009 1:12 pm

Every engine is going to start a little different depending on combustion chamber design, type of carburetor, choke setting, and other factors. In the long run you are going to have to figure out what works best for your rig. For now you should check that the choke is closing fully so that you get adequate fuel while cranking. Once it fires the choke should immediately open about 3/16 of an inch and then fully open in about 5 minutes.

Fri Oct 30, 2009 5:15 pm

I don't see what the big deal about bending the P.O.'s ear is? You paid for it,call him up and ask,he might have a trick on starting it and on opening the doors.It never hurts to ask.

Tue Nov 10, 2009 10:03 pm

My father was was a pilot during WWII in England. His method has never failed me. For a cold start press the pedal to the floor and count to five, then take your foot off the pedal and count to five. Still with your foot off the gas, start the car. When it starts, feather in some gas. Always worked for me on the older cars, especially VWs. When my 63 bug is hot, I floor it and start it.

Tue Nov 10, 2009 10:13 pm

the keys in mine only work on direction so try putting it in both ways, it could be stiff to if the locks havent been used. Im not sure how your key set up is on a 69. My 1977 has 3 keys

1. Ignition and front doors
2. slider
3. Rear hatch

and an after market gas key. the 3 vw keys only work in one direction of insertion they are not reversible, the front door is a bit hard to turn. Not sure if that helps you at all.

Wed Nov 11, 2009 6:34 am

bjjpdx wrote: My 1977 has 3 keys ...

3 separate keys sounds like a real pain in the ass. Originally, one key would have done the slider, rear hatch, front doors, and ignition. Have you had some locks replaced (slider, rear hatch?).

To the OP - I wouldn't be afraid to bug the PO - who else would know better about the vagaries of your bus? What if other, bigger issues come up? Who would you ask then?

Wed Nov 11, 2009 6:44 am

I have 5 keys if you inclue the gas cap and glove box! #-o