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Wed Nov 26, 2003 7:42 pm

I have a 'new' 1972 Super Beetle that stalls when I slow down, and stalls when idling at stops. The carb has been cleaned and adjusted ( 4 times) and the fuel system cleaned. She also has turn signals that refuse to work no matter how many mechanics tweek the wiring. I have had her at both bugformance (SJ) and another mechanic and spent $600 for nothing (apparently) Does anyone have any ideas, suggestions? I'm a really broke grad student who can't afford any more 'mechanics', and I really love my little Ava, but can't drive her. Has anyone else had this problem? ( I am not mechanically inclined, so its' partly my fault i'm so frustrated!)
Cheers!

Thu Nov 27, 2003 6:37 pm

If you're broke you got to get a couple of books and read up on doing the stuff yourself because you can't be sure the mechanics did the right thing and you can't afford to keep taking it to them. One is John Muir's How to Keep Your VW Alive, and the other is the Bentley Official Service Manual. You also need to get some basic tools and Muir's book tells you what they are. I got most of mine used at a big flea market near my house.

Then go over the advice on how to set the idle speed, the dwell, the timing, the valve clearance, the spark plug gap, the points gap. You can't be sure what the problem is until you're sure these things are OK. Also check the fuel filter and maybe change it if it appears clogged.

Hope this helps, because the advice you get on thesamba is most useful when you can go and try the tips that you get here out yourself.

Thu Nov 27, 2003 11:51 pm

Hey there...

As for the Bug dying, I would suggest checking to see whether or not the idle jet is plugged. As you're looking at your engine, it's on the right side of the carby - just above the generator (you'll have to remove your air cleaner). Other then that, do what "79" said and learn some basics about adjusting things. Also, DO NOT assume that just because a mechanic is a mechanic he knows how to work on old VWs.

As for your non-working turn signals... My guess is that your emergency flasher switch has gone bad. Jiggle the knob on that - it might get you some turn signals. If not, pull it out (you'll have to remove your fresh-air box for that) and press it back together. That could do the trick.

I hope this helps a little bit. Oh, and welcome to the world of air-cooled VW's.

JSH