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Sat Jun 27, 2015 12:08 pm

new to Samba picked up a 66 not running
ideas, guidance where to start... had one in HS but that was 25 years ago

Sat Jun 27, 2015 12:18 pm

You need two things for an engine to run
fuel through a carbeurator
and
spark from the coil

get a Muir guide if you need the basics and start reading and learning ;

You need to use the search function
type in "car won't start "

Sat Jun 27, 2015 1:07 pm

Three things actually, gotta have compression as well.

Best place to start with a non-running car is to do all the normal tune up adjustments -- valve lash, spark plug gap, point gap, static timing for the applicable distributor. While doing your adjustments, take note of the condition of things, ensure you don't have water in the engine or anything froze up with rust or corrosion. Lube the distributor and throttle linkage, change the oil (check that it doesn't smell strongly of fuel, otherwise add a fuel pump rebuild or replacement), and ensure all the spark leads and wiring are going where they should. From there, make sure you're getting power to the coil when you turn the key on, ensure you have fresh gas getting into the carb (drain out all the old fuel as it may have turned to varnish), and if the car has been sitting for a while then you'll also want to make sure no rodents have set up a suite in the fan housing. Once all that's good, give 'er a go. If it won't start, start troubleshooting which parts have failed.

Sat Jun 27, 2015 3:46 pm

thanks for the feed back will start with these

Sat Jun 27, 2015 7:31 pm

"Flintstone" compression check - pull the plugs and put wine corks in their holes, then have someone crank the motor over while you watch and listen.

All four should fly out at the same speed with the same "pop".

Squirt oil into the cylinders and repeat. If it works better your rings are suspect. Attach the plugs to their wires while doing test and watch for spark.

Now put them back in, drop a tablespoon of gas into the throat of the carburetor, and see if it fires up. If it fires and dies, you have an issue in the carburetor or fuel pump/fuel lines.

Sat Jun 27, 2015 9:38 pm

new battery

engine won't turn over... bad starter?

cross selonoid and can hear the whirring sound muir describes...

replacement? got the bolt under out... is the nut inside engine compartment the one that needs to be removed...

yes I'm a rookie but not proud use any help that is out there....

Sun Jun 28, 2015 7:08 am

It cannot be all that difficult. Do yourself a favor and obtain service manuals for your car. Read it. While troubleshooting makes notes of what you are doing.

Sun Jun 28, 2015 7:37 am

if you havnt found the free manual...

http://www.thesamba.com/vw/archives/manuals/66bug/66bug.pdf

i got this and its better then nothing.. and should get you headed in the right direction. check/replace the plugs or re-gap it they ok, clean the points and set the timing, then wisely fiddle with the fuel mix.. but first if you havnt already change the oil/strainer... plus everything that has been said already. good luck.

Dan-

Sun Jun 28, 2015 8:31 am

gt1953 wrote: It cannot be all that difficult. Do yourself a favor and obtain service manuals for your car. Read it. While troubleshooting makes notes of what you are doing.

thank you, reading helps!!!
got it out just fine

Sun Jun 28, 2015 11:30 am

Fuel, air and ignition. The best place to start is at the beginning. Get youself a shop manual, familiarize yourself with the engine and all of the specifications and what make it tick. Start from scratch by doing a complete tune-up.

Sun Jun 28, 2015 5:28 pm

yes going to do all suggested...

just curious as to thoughts on why it doens't turn over... (not referring to starting just turning over.

it is not frozen and can cross the solenoid...

Starting tune up and all fluids...

Have both muir and bentley so going through them as well

Sun Jun 28, 2015 6:37 pm

Since the starter is just whirring and not turning the engine, it sounds like the solenoid isn't kicking the starter gear out, either that or the starter bushing is plugged/buggered and preventing the starter gear from kicking out enough to engage the flywheel. You can take the starter down to your FLAPS and have them test it, or you can check it yourself after you have it out of the car.

Sat Jul 04, 2015 6:35 pm

thanks for the guidance...
she's turning over and my 16 year old helping with new dual master cylinder and brakes all the way around.....

still learning how to search the site but all the info is super helpful!!

after brakes we are going for all new wiring...

that was the issue with starter ( bad ignition wire....)