Sluggish 73 FI Fastback

lowslowauto · Posted: Wed Sep 18, 2013 2:58 pm Post subject:

Update: I decided to charge the battery even though it showed 12.4 on the voltage meter. A day later (today) tried to start it, it turned over promisingly but did not catch, where before it wouldn't even sound like it was going fast enough to catch!

My guess is voltage reg. is crushing my batteries? I'm going to take my battery tomorrow to get tested, it's also on warranty still (2 yrs out of 3)

lowslowauto · Posted: Fri Sep 20, 2013 9:27 pm Post subject:

I tried it today with another battery... was turning over strong but not catching!

I have:

-Replaced 90% of air lines
-Replaced multiple fuel lines
-Replaced igijtion wires
-Replaced Plugs
-Replaced timing points

I am thinking it is one of these items:

-Air Leak
-Fuel Pressure
-voltage regulator
-Generator
-Coil
-Distributor

Where should I start?

Pics: If it is green it has been replaced, and red no it has not:

Image may have been reduced in size. Click image to view fullscreen.

IS this a choke below?The accelerator cable does not touch it?

Tram · Posted: Fri Sep 20, 2013 9:39 pm Post subject:

That thing below the accelerator is your trans kickdown switch.

Do you have spark??
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lowslowauto · Posted: Fri Sep 20, 2013 9:42 pm Post subject:

Checked with timing light on the wires and it showed spark.

Tram · Posted: Fri Sep 20, 2013 9:44 pm Post subject:

Bobnotch · Posted: Sat Sep 21, 2013 9:39 am Post subject:

Since you have spark, have you put a fuel pressure gauge on it yet?
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KTPhil · Posted: Sat Sep 21, 2013 11:26 am Post subject:

Not the root cause, but it may be soon: Looks like your generator brushes are worn out. The top of the brushes should be at or above the slot they fit in.

lowslowauto · Posted: Sat Sep 21, 2013 2:23 pm Post subject:

Thanks KT Phil! I will look to swap that in the winter months...

As for next steps: If the generator or voltage regulator were faulty it would fail to charge, but would start as long as the battery was holding power correct?

I will pick up a gauge tomorrow if fuel should be the next item to look at?

Mike Fisher · Posted: Sat Sep 21, 2013 2:43 pm Post subject:

The generator brushes only cost $3.00 and take about an hour to change. You need 14 volts not 12.4 volts for fuel injection.
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Bobnotch · Posted: Sat Sep 21, 2013 5:42 pm Post subject:

lowslowauto · Posted: Sat Oct 19, 2013 8:42 am Post subject:

Update:

Still not running! URGH...starting to get irritated.

I have checked the fuel pressure (was way high, adjusted and wouldn't even come down). I am guessing return line by the pump could be clogged? Would it be best to pull that and see? Could this have been the root cause?

I also checked the temp sensor and it was running at 1 ohm, which seemed to be the error code as that's where it starts when you turn it ohms. I have ordered one, and will put it in early next week.

Any other ideas? I am very close to towing it to a shop (which I hate doing, and haven't done ever with this car) but it is making me insane!

Tram · Posted: Sat Oct 19, 2013 11:45 am Post subject:

lowslowauto · Posted: Mon Oct 21, 2013 8:37 am Post subject:

Okay well at least I am on the right track...I have pulled the plugs and swapped them, however had changed the oil 2 weeks before this happened, so have not changed it again.

Would it still start even with fuel in the oil? Sorry if that's a dumb question...

Bobnotch · Posted: Mon Oct 21, 2013 9:45 am Post subject:

Mike Fisher · Posted: Mon Oct 21, 2013 10:43 am Post subject:

Your fuel pressure is "way high", so I doubt it will start/run until you disconnect both ends of the metal fuel return line and blow/clean it out with air pressure. Then you will be able to adjust your fuel pressure to 28-30 lbs.
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69 FI/AT square Daily Driver
66 sunroof,67,70,71,71,71AT,72,72AT,73 Parts
two 57 oval ragtops sold
'68 Karmann Ghia sold

Society is like stew. If you don't keep it stirred up you end up with a lot of scum on the top! - Russ_Wolfe/Edward Abbey

lowslowauto · Posted: Sun Apr 13, 2014 7:41 pm Post subject:

Came out of storage yesterday still with the same no start issue. Quick re-cap: it was running poorly, consistently getting worse, had to floor it to get any acceleration...got it home and it died to never start again at the end of the fall.

Since then:

Replaced all plugs
Replaced all wires
Replaced Points
Fixed one large gas leak
Look for air leaks and replaced anything suspicious
Replaced temp sensor
Oil Change
Adjusted timing
Checked fuel pressure

Today:

Adjusted valves
Adjusted distributor
re-checked points and timing
re-checked fuel pressure at ignition (5psi)
Checked spark at plugs and coil (yellow)

We are thinking the spark is weak from the coil being a yellow gold colour, and looking faint. I am assuming similar to a plug it should be blue/white and strong? Tomorrow I will be changing the condenser and the coil...I will also be grabbing a new fuel pressure gauge (this one only goes to 10psi...urgh)

For a stock 73 fastback FI, am I looking for a coil with resistor or without? Looks like the stock bosch one is without[/img]

Tram · Posted: Sun Apr 13, 2014 8:54 pm Post subject:

Sounds like a weak battery and a fuel pump on the way out to me!
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lowslowauto · Posted: Mon Apr 14, 2014 9:01 pm Post subject:

Ordered a coil without a resistor, and a condenser...will swap them in, in the morning...and if it is still not firing...the battery will head back to the shop to get tested, and a new pressure gauge to ensure fuel is on the mark will be purchased as well etc. (It has been on trickle for the last 2 days to bring it up to pace).

lowslowauto · Posted: Tue Apr 15, 2014 12:23 pm Post subject:

Picked the parts up this morning but wont get to put them in until Thursday morning now...seeing as mother nature is drunk.

Be happy if you live south of the border and enjoy warm weather.

VWporscheGT3 · Posted: Fri Apr 18, 2014 1:29 pm Post subject:

^ exactly the reason I dont live in Canuckistan! lol
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Sluggish 73 FI Fastback
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