Yo, fellow thingologists - newbie here!

[carsdlt]

Just aquired a 1973 "bucketcar"and I think it will be a blast to have this summer. I know, "pictures"...when I get my digital working I will post some, I promise. Just surfing this forum, it seems very much like the Alfa Romeo site - ( I used to own a Spider - great fun to drive, but it was ALWAYS something!!) - all the folks there were very helpful and ready to share their knowledge with anyone - no preaching or whining, just easy-goin' souls that loved their Alfas and were willing to "pay it forward".....seems like this site is the same.

Anyway, I've got some questions (surprise, surprise!):

Got an Engine # of AM014291 - Chassis #1833025333E...looks like 11/74 for the engine & 9/73 for the chassis, which is cool.

Now the carb is a Solex 34PICT 3 and the Dist. is a 009 - not the ideal combo, I'm thinkin'. It fires right up & idles fine, but spits & pops back thru the carb. upon take-off and lacks power on accel. Shouldn't I be running a DVDA or SVDA dizzy with this carb?... & does it matter which of those I get?

I've also got an odd speedo unit - only has 1 idiot lite on the right lower side - oil press...nothing for the gen..???...can someone tell me which wire/connector off the voltage reg. I can use to hook something on the dash for a warning lite?

I have many more ?? but will go thru it by the numbers first - valve adj., tune-up, fluid changes, etc. to get what I can sorted out - thanks in advance for your help - look forward to our future dialog.

DLT

[///Mink]

[swhitcomb]

[Ian Epperson]

I'm not sure about the DVDA, but I believe the SVDA came with the car.

For all your wiring questions, check out Capt. Spalding's EXCELLENT redrawn wiring diagram hosted in the technical section.
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/archives/info/wiring/181_Current_Flow_Diagram_4-73.pdf

You're looking for the blue wire on trace 20 that jumps over to trace 28. Note that it also ties into the brake warning light ( trace 48 ) to illuminate that indicator light as a test when you start the car. (On older VW's, the brake warning light was a button that would light when you pressed it - you were supposed to check it every time you drove the car, but no one would.)
_________________
VW-181 shirts and stickers.
http://ian.epperson.com/vw

[Semper_Dad]

I'd like to see a pic of the speedo. Doesn't sound like a standard one.
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74 VW Thing - Walküre
78 GMC Motorhome - Valhalla
"Patina" my ass, that's rust
Recovering Split Bus Addict
Washington State 181 (Thing) Registry - current tally: 58
World 181 Registry Map: http://www.zeemaps.com/394427 Gitm registared boys!
Officially, there are only 98 181s in the world

[carsdlt]

Thanx, guys...I'll check out the wiring diagram, Ian...don't have a brake warning lite that I can find, but will figure something out. Talked with Roger at The Thing Shop and he recommended a DVDA dist. for this unit...I'll do some looking to see what I can find & post my results.

Ciao, DLT

[wbrown45]

The carburetor could still have some gunk in the idle circuit. The old "$1.98 tune-up" might do the trick. With the air filter off have the engine running you will be operating the throttle with your hand. Rev it up to not quite full throttle. Then put your hand over the carburetor air intake until the engine almost stops, and take your hand off to let it clear off. If you do this several times it usually draws any dirt or gelled gasoline down through the intake. If that doesn't do the trick you may have to clean the carburetor thoroughly and throw in a rebuild gasket kit. While you are at it check the throttle shaft for lateral movement coming from wear in the carb body. Keep us posted! Also you should be timing that 009 at full advance from somewhere between 28-32 degrees full advance. It is easier if you have a degreed pulley wheel, or a timing light with the advance built in. Oh, and we are glad to have you with us. You are going to love your Thing!
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OK Thang

[citroen]

brake warning light on the right lower

[carsdlt]

Thanks,again...like I said, I plan on doing it by the numbers....valve adj., carb. o/haul, tune-up, etc. Picked up a used DVDA dist. today - will clean it up and try it out. Need to double check the ign. timing, tho...am I 5ATDC or 7.5BTDC with this engine/Dist./Carb. combo?

DLT