1967 beetle 1600cc running rough

[Bradyy02]

I’m new to beetles and trying to learn myself so I’m trying to figure out what could cause my engine to run rough it seems like it’s idling low and making my bug shake quite a bit, and my oil light comes on on idle but when I rev it up it disappears.it starts up fine though.what do you guys think. Take it easy on me guys lol

[Dusty1]

If it starts and idles albeit rough it can't be all bad IMO.


First thing to do is to set valve lash. That way valve lash won't affect the compression check you're going to do next.

You want to see nice even compression on all four cylinders. One or more cylinders high or low will make it shake.

If your cylinder pressures are all over the place it probably needs a rebuild.

Cylinder pressures o.k..? Check your ignition components next. Hell, just replace 'em. That's points, condensor, cap, rotor, wires and spark plugs. Use good German Bosch. I fed my Bug NGKs years ago. It didn't like 'em. I went back to Bosch and never looked back.

I wouldn't use plugs from my Bug in my bikes but you might like to know old Bosch plugs will work in Vespa scooters if you're stuck.

Vacuum leaks at the manifold are a little more difficult to track down. My '74 was running rough. One of the manifold boots was torn most of the way around. Look for obvious stuff such as disconnected hoses. Listen for sucking noises.

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[bcferrini]

Welcome-sorry your bug runs poorly...

My advice is...read. A lot.
Search on this sight. Search on google. Maybe best is to watch some you tube videos on valve adjustment, tune up, etc. Get familiar.

[KTPhil]

Aloha!

Look for an older copy of the Muir VW book (aka, "Idiot Book") and learn to do a tune-up. Many poor running issues are identified and resolved doing a tune-up. It is cheap with a few tools (and that book), and you will learn and have a more reliable car as a result.

Please post pics of your new ride!

[Bradyy02]

Thanks for the replies I really appreciate it, just got the idiot book lol I’ll see what I can do with it