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Thu Nov 05, 2009 7:57 am

I have a '74 Beetle. 1776cc, stock heads, W-110 cam, Pertonix Ignitor/Coil, 009 distributor and dual Solex 34's that I think are the CB Performance kit. The car was "built" in 1998 as it sits now and I bought it in May 09. It has about 15K on the engine.

It ran fine for about 1,500 miles and then started running on 3 cylinders. I pulled the plugs to investigate. The #3 spark plug was completely fouled fuel/oil. The other 3 plugs indicated rich, but were not fouled to the point of not firing.

A new set of Bosch Platinums (#7902) and it ran fine for about 50 more miles and the #3 plug fuel fouled again. #4 is starting to fuel foul and the exhaust tips (Empi #55-3418 system) are black as coal.

So, I did a bunch of trouble shooting (electric choke voltage, carb settings, timing, different good plug wires, etc) and it runs on 4 cylinders (all 4 exhaust ports are hot), but is flat as hell...no more zip. I suspect I will be losing #3 again.

I suspect that the driver's side carb is having problems with the methanol in the gasoline here in NJ. All my streetrod buddies are having problems with their cars too. Float needles eaten, fuel inlet threads disintegrating, power valves turning to goo, etc.

Has anyone out there encountered this problem with their VW's?

BTW, I hate these dual carbs. I can't get at the #1 and #3 spark plugs without calling the skinny teenage girl next door to help me! I am considering a swap to a single Weber 40 IDF or a Progressive 32/36. I will also probably swap to a new SVDA distributor.

Thu Nov 05, 2009 8:03 am

I am not a pro, but could it be something with that piston? if something is wrong with the rings it might cause that?? Or you might be running rich which would cause an inefficient burn of your gas??? Just a thought if everything else is correct. Like I said I am no pro just some thoughts...

Thu Nov 05, 2009 8:10 am

Lose the platinum plugs first. They are not for you.

The check the jetting of the carbs.

BTW, those carbs like a SVDA distributor or at least a better mechanical advance only distributor (019 or 010 or Unilite) as opposed to a 009.

Thu Nov 05, 2009 9:26 am

What's wrong with the platinum plugs?...this is what all the VW vendors were selling at the recent Englishtown (Raceway Park) VW meet.

I questioned them on the need for platinum (due to the price) and was told they are better than the conventional plugs and would actually help performance. I bought them from a PA vendor that's been around for years.

I've just found a TX based SAMBA featured vendor that sells an original Bosch SVDA that has an electronic trigger already installed, free shipping too. It works with a Bosch Blue coil too.

No compression problems as suggested by robclark63. Guess it's time to remove the carbs and see what the methanol gas has done to the guts.

Thu Nov 05, 2009 9:30 am

Pink MG wrote: What's wrong with the platinum plugs?...this is what all the VW vendors were selling at the recent Englishtown (Raceway Park) VW meet.

I questioned them on the need for platinum (due to the price) and was told they are better than the conventional plugs and would actually help performance. I bought them from a PA vendor that's been around for years.

I've just found a TX based SAMBA featured vendor that sells an original Bosch SVDA that has an electronic trigger already installed, free shipping too. It works with a Bosch Blue coil too.

No compression problems as suggested by robclark63. Guess it's time to remove the carbs and see what the methanol gas has done to the guts. Just because *everyone* is selling Platinum plugs doesn't mean they'll work for your application. I've had cars I swapped to Platinum plugs, in the past, that worked great, while others ran like dogs. A great example is my 1997 Dodge pickup with a 5.2L. Those engines do not like platinum plugs and will not run right (eg, run rich, misfire, rough idle, etc).

Run the proper plug for your VW engine for the best performance.

Thu Nov 05, 2009 9:35 am

From last month's spark plug thread:
bluebug66 wrote: Engines with carburetors don't handle platinum plugs well. Platinums have such a tiny electrode that they foul easy. Modern engines with fuel injection and computerized engine management systems control the fuel mixture better.

Thu Nov 05, 2009 10:25 am

Pink MG wrote: What's wrong with the platinum plugs?...this is what all the VW vendors were selling at the recent Englishtown (Raceway Park) VW meet.

I questioned them on the need for platinum (due to the price) and was told they are better than the conventional plugs and would actually help performance. I bought them from a PA vendor that's been around for years.
.

Hey English, Ocean Township here, Listen to Randy this is what he does and he has forgotten more than most know. Remember who recommended the plugs....a salesman. Randy is here out of a love for the hobby not to make a profit off you. Good luck

Thu Nov 05, 2009 10:47 am

Pink MG wrote: What's wrong with the platinum plugs?...this is what all the VW vendors were selling at the recent Englishtown (Raceway Park) VW meet.

I questioned them on the need for platinum (due to the price) and was told they are better than the conventional plugs and would actually help performance. I bought them from a PA vendor that's been around for years.

I've just found a TX based SAMBA featured vendor that sells an original Bosch SVDA that has an electronic trigger already installed, free shipping too. It works with a Bosch Blue coil too.

No compression problems as suggested by robclark63. Guess it's time to remove the carbs and see what the methanol gas has done to the guts.

X4 on the Platinum plugs on VW air cooled engines.

Those "HOT SPARK" distributors are just another Chinese made SVDA knockoff with the points replacement module installed. Cavet Emptor!

Fuel quality is not your issue, you either have a vacuum leak or possible valve/valve seat head issue. Fuel quality will not cause just one cylinder or one side of an engine to do what your experiencing.

Thu Nov 05, 2009 11:04 am

Also what happens when you swap out the ignition wire with another one?

Thu Nov 05, 2009 2:24 pm

Both left side plugs are fouled, but #3 gets worse quicker according to the two times it's fouled. None of the 4 plugs were that nice chocolate color I expected to find. #1 and #2 were not fouled, but dark and sooty.

Randy, when I replaced the #3 wire, I had already installed another plug. It ran fine until it warmed up and started to run flat.

I did notice the tips of the Bosch Platinum Plus were tiny.

The car had 3 NGK Platinums and one Autolite AP425 in it when this first happened two weeks ago. That's when I got the Bosch plugs. #1 cylinder had the Autolite. That's when I got the Bosch plugs.

I noticed the Autolite Platinum (AP425) tip was the "normal" size.

So, what # NGK or Bosch plug should I use...or just Autolite #425's (not AP425).

No oil smoke, no oil use to speak of.

Randy, I lived in Bath, Brunswick and Wiscassett in the late 1970's while I worked at Bath Iron Works for the USN. I had a stock '72 Super Beetle and a '71 El Camino then.

Thu Nov 05, 2009 2:33 pm

Keifernet...then the Samba needs to tell Hot Spark to stop advertising their SVDA as a genuine brand new Bosch distributor...or is it just their electronic trigger that is a Chinese POS?

Thu Nov 05, 2009 2:42 pm

Pink MG wrote: Keifernet...then the Samba needs to tell Hot Spark to stop advertising their SVDA as a genuine brand new Bosch distributor...or is it just their electronic trigger that is a Chinese POS?

I see they may have changed their ad here and maybe product *but previously I KNOW for a good while they were selling the Chinese made knock off. I stand corrected on that point at this date as far as the distributor they are "currently advertising".

This does not look like BOSCH to me. Make sure your getting what you order.

I think they are now selling both Bosch and Chinese made units.

http://www.hot-spark.com/Hot-Spark-SVDA034-3BOS4U1.htm

Thu Nov 05, 2009 2:59 pm

I am down here in OOB at the beach. Not too crowded in Novemeber.

I think the Chineese made points replacement module is what is sometimes "iffy", but to their credit have heard that they are working with puchasers to get theirs to work correctly. That 205ZB is a Mexi-Bosch unit I believe (but have not seen one in the flesh).

I have had a compufire for several years with not issues. Petronics is also another name brand.

I used the NGK B5HS the last time I did a beetle plugs. By the way, when I started working on that beetle I noticed all of the wire were installed backwards by a local shop on the coil and it also was fouling the plugs. That is probably not your problem, but just check them to rule that out.

What happens when you stick your ohm meter on all of those plug wires? Is there something off the scale?

Keep in mind that at idle, the 34ICTs will only idle on 2 cylinders but that will go away with more RPMs.

Thu Nov 05, 2009 3:00 pm

Thanks Randy...Ahhh those Frenchies at OOB...topless at the shore!!!! I miss the seafood from Captain Newick's.

If I get a "genuine Bosch" unit and the trigger is the Chinese POS, then I can put my Pertronix in it.

I "googled" Hot Spark Ignition Products and found only a marine forum that trashed them.

There are so freaking many VW vendors out there, it's hard to know what you are getting into when you buy from one. I realize we can't just trash some and brag about others on this forum...I guess this is the same with almost any hobby though.

I'm a hot rodder from the 60's...I am having a hard time, no matter what I am working on, finding decent parts not made in China or some other place that just wants our $$ for a look-alike, but garbage part. I guess Vic Edelbrock is the only one out there :lol:

Thu Nov 05, 2009 3:23 pm

Try this one....

http://www.cbperformance.com/catalog.asp?ProductID=1348

Thu Nov 05, 2009 6:05 pm

Pink MG wrote: ...I am having a hard time, no matter what I am working on, finding decent parts not made in China or some other place that just wants our $$ for a look-alike, but garbage part.
That's how the Chinese stuff is really hurting hobbyists like us.
By the time the majority of folks realize how bad the stuff is, lots of the old vendors have been driven out of business. :(
Fewer vendors of quality parts usually means the prices go up.

At least we can spread the word here about good stuff that's still available and where to get it.

Thu Nov 05, 2009 6:10 pm

Randy in Maine wrote: Lose the platinum plugs first. They are not for you.

The check the jetting of the carbs.

BTW, those carbs like a SVDA distributor or at least a better mechanical advance only distributor (019 or 010 or Unilite) as opposed to a 009.

Thanks Randy, you just answered a question I have yet to ask. I will have to look for one of the distributors you mentioned to go with my Kadrons. I have a vacuum advance stocker right now (don't know if its even car correct or not) and I want to do away with the vacuum advance.

Fri Nov 06, 2009 6:14 am

MoparFreak69 wrote: Randy in Maine wrote: Lose the platinum plugs first. They are not for you.

The check the jetting of the carbs.

BTW, those carbs like a SVDA distributor or at least a better mechanical advance only distributor (019 or 010 or Unilite) as opposed to a 009.

Thanks Randy, you just answered a question I have yet to ask. I will have to look for one of the distributors you mentioned to go with my Kadrons. I have a vacuum advance stocker right now (don't know if its even car correct or not) and I want to do away with the vacuum advance.

Talk to Glenn:
http://www.glenn-ring.com/bosch/
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/classifieds/detail.php?id=53482

Fri Nov 06, 2009 2:23 pm

Personally I would suspect a basic mechanical type of problem as opposed to the gas. That being said, The first time I filled up with the 'new' 10% ethanol gas I barely made it half a mile. I was on the side of the road at midnight turning the mixture screw on the carb to richen it up. Seemed to run fine after that.
Are the valve clearances okay?

Tue Nov 10, 2009 8:57 am

Valve adjustment is fine. This is a fuel delivery problem for sure.

After a phone discussion with CB Performance, we determined the dual carb kit is an older, SCAT 35mm dual Solex set up, 35 PDSIT's.

SCAT lists a rebuild kit and all the jets for these carbs, so I may call them to see what the rebuild kits include besides the gaskets and accelerator pump diaphragm and if they have any suggestions for a jetting starting point.

I am still considering a single Weber 40 IDF set up. I'll post a seperate thread for opinions on the many different vendor's kits to see which is best for my street application.