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Wed Nov 18, 2009 4:59 pm

so far the new to me 68 has, run outta gas, snapped a throttle cable, various wires have "popped off" leaving me stuck briefly, gone over a speed bump to have the right rear spindle shear the last and only bolt in it off causing it to rub on the drum, which I fixed and checked all. What else? But today she is running good, although I dont like my cap getting as hot as it it, my cylinder head temps while running and heated up are about 120- to 150. Im about to run it to clewiston friday, about 75 miles one way, 150 round trip. Im nervous. Anything else to check? Running good today, alternator is good, waiting on a fuel guage but will check a few times on the way. tires are brand new, stereo is bumping, all nuts and bolts tight. She ahsnt earned her trust yet! But gonna do it to it.Anything, Anything, Bueler?

Wed Nov 18, 2009 5:55 pm

Might I suggest going over the entire ignition electrical system and check for rubbing/frayed wires, shorts, wires that are about ready to come out of the connectors, etc?

Wed Nov 18, 2009 6:06 pm

Change the points and condensor. Also check timing.

Wed Nov 18, 2009 7:47 pm

I've always found that a nice long trip is good for a car, 'specially if you don't have to stop very much.
Give it a good general going-over first.
Fill it with the highest octane brand-name gas you can get, make sure the oil is nice and clean, do what the others have suggested, and hit the road!
I always have AAA and a cell phone just in case.

Remember, your bug wants to make you happy!
Good luck, and let us know how it goes. 8)

Tue Nov 24, 2009 3:33 pm

If you're talking 120-150 farenheit, that is way too cool. Check for your t-stat and cooling flaps to be in place. The cylinder head temp should be at LEAST 250.

Tue Nov 24, 2009 5:15 pm

<Adapted from an old aviation poster>

Aircooled VW's in themselves are not inherently unreliable. But to an even greater degree than your average used car, they are terribly unforgiving of any carelessness, incapacity, or neglect.

Tue Nov 24, 2009 6:35 pm

Polar68 wrote: so far the new to me 68 has, run outta gas, snapped a throttle cable, various wires have "popped off" leaving me stuck briefly, gone over a speed bump to have the right rear spindle shear the last and only bolt in it off causing it to rub on the drum, which I fixed and checked all. What else? But today she is running good, although I dont like my cap getting as hot as it it, my cylinder head temps while running and heated up are about 120- to 150. Im about to run it to clewiston friday, about 75 miles one way, 150 round trip. Im nervous. Anything else to check? Running good today, alternator is good, waiting on a fuel guage but will check a few times on the way. tires are brand new, stereo is bumping, all nuts and bolts tight. She ahsnt earned her trust yet! But gonna do it to it.Anything, Anything, Bueler?

when i took my 69 on its first 210 mile trip, i brought a towbar because my dad was alredy there and had a pickup :lol: i didnt need it though, yeah do an electric check, listen for strange sounds, make sure the fuel guage is grounded and most of all have faith in it, negative thoughts make vduubs unhappy