TheSamba.com :: View topic

Sun Nov 08, 2009 10:00 am

Hello,

I was driving my 71 bus yesturday and I slowly started to lose the responsiveness of the gas peddle. It progressively got worse and within 30 seconds it putter to a stop. Now it won't start, it's trying but won't catch.

I was inspecting the engine compartment and found a broken live positive wire. It was wrapped together with the oil pressure wire. I'm not sure where it should go. My coil and alternator both had there positive lines going to them. The heater has been removed and I though it may run there but it came from passenger side of the engine...any ideas on the wire or the loss of power?

Thanks

Sun Nov 08, 2009 10:06 am

have you completely ruled out a fuel delivery issue?

Sun Nov 08, 2009 10:22 am

Sounds like you are out of gas, what color is this loose wire?

Sun Nov 08, 2009 2:08 pm

Maybe check the auto choke wire.

Sun Nov 08, 2009 3:00 pm

Omg, ok I think you guys are right, I think I ran out of gas! I've only put 1000 miles on the bus and I've never let the fuel get this low (3/8 of a tank according to the gauge) but I just calc the milage and it works out to an empty tank. I feel like a tool! I'm not with the bus right now but I'll check that first.

As for the wire, it's red and a little thicker gauge than the norm wire in the back

thanks for the help guys, without ppl like you we would lose so much knowledge of these machines and would have even less VWs on the road!

Sun Nov 08, 2009 4:00 pm

Lets all hope it's a simple fix like adding gas, that's an easy one :P

The thick red wire was for the gas heater, it's live from the starter terminal all the time and unfused, tape it up good.

Sun Nov 08, 2009 5:23 pm

add to emergency kit 1 galon can of gas. could be a life saver. Hopeflluy thats all it is.