the $300.00 74 westy comes alive

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OK, ive got the new laternator in and took it out for a maiden voyage, she seems to have plenty of get up and go, but as soon as i let off to downshift, she dies, any suggestions on what to tinker with next, this is my first bus.
Jeremy in CA

[wgargan]

idle? does it idle when you start it up and let it sit? or timing. congrats though on getting you first bus going, my first bus was 300 bucks to, but as soon as i got it started a huge knock and jolting occured and then the engine froze, o well. good luck
\lc

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yeah it will idle if i feather the throttle for a minute when its cold, after it gets warm it will idle, just dies when decelarating

[wgargan]

could be the timing how did you set it? does it diw when you push in the clutch or...?

[MrBreeze]

Check your valve adjustment. Had the same problem a few months ago. Also look for any vacuum leaks.

-=Rob

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hijodepato,

i havent set anything!!!!!, lol i just put the alternator in and vroom, it fired up, so i took off down the street, brakes are great, lol yep, thats exactly when it dies, when i push in the clutch to slow down. im just happy it runs!! clutch seems tight too, had to adjust it a little, so im well on my way to having me a sweet bus, the wife is already making plans for curtains and redid the screens today.

[Richard]

I'd start with the basic tune-up, points, plugs, condenser, rotor, cap, adjust valves, if it has a carberator and has been sitting a while the carb could need cleaning, if its injected check all the hoses...congrats on the new aquisition...They are fun when they run

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it actually has the dual solex setup, will that be any more difficult to adjust, its sat for about 2-3 months

[wgargan]

dual csolex has the potential for alot of air leaks( i have it onmy 73) o.k. since yu havnt done any thing, do yarbrough says and get a basic tune up plugs points valves etc... but most importantly look for air leakesm they most likely occur on the idel control set up that is the metal tubing that goes from the left carb down under the filter to the right manifold and up to the smog jung.( if i visualized it corectly) and also the brake servo tubing can easily leak. if it is a bad leak you can run too lean and fry the motor dude have a blast!!!!
lc

[Richard]

actuall the solex is a good setup, fill it with good gas. the gas that sat in the carbs should not have varnished in just two the three months, but it is long enough to make the car run like crap I'd suggest driving it kinda mellow for at l to 2 tanks of gas and see if it smooths out...this would give you time to buy a repair manual and ease into a tune up...A used book store is a great place to look for a VW repair manual

[wgargan]

oh yes i forgot to mention the solexs are wonder ful if they are set up properly

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thanks everyone and if anyone else has any more tips, feel free to let me in on them!!!
ill let you all know whats going on with it soon