Some of the smallest things can cause the biggest problems

3Bugs

About a week ago I got ripped off of my Weber and 009 and had to put in the old stock stuff to get her going again. After the re-install I couldn’t get it started most of the time and when it did it ran rough. I remember the plug on the original Solex fell out of the carb and I JB welded it back on but thought it was still giving me a problem so I;

Purchased a new carb, that will fix it ….. Not! Still had problems

Then I checked to see if my spark was strong, it was kind of on the yellow side so I;
Put in new points….. Still had the problem
Put on new cap, rotor, and plug wires….. Still had the problem
Purchased a new coil….. still had the problem.
Purchased new plugs….. Still had the problem
Swapped distributors….. Still had the problem, kind of, it started but stalled right away.

I tried advance timing it while someone held down the pedal and my timing kept changing then my dwell kept changing then the engine just would not start. So I;

Removed and reinstalled the manifold, thinking there was a leak I could not find….. still had the problem
Did a leak test…. 95% +/- 1 for all four, that’s a good sign!
Adjusted the valves twice….. Still had the problem.

The one item I did not think to change was the freaking CONDENSER.

That fixed the problem.

Moral of the story….. Start with the least expensive and least time consuming item first regardless of how simple it may be.
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3Bugs
Well, actually a 67 Bug, 72 Super, 61 Ghia and a 2004 Beetle Vert (sorry)

79SuperVert · Posted: Tue Oct 19, 2004 10:50 am Post subject:

Glad you found the problem. Just think now how much ahead of the game you are having changed all that other stuff!! Very Happy

TeamSpatula · Posted: Tue Oct 19, 2004 2:12 pm Post subject:

Yep - technically you're supposed to change the condenser when you change the points, but a lot of folks don't...No matter where you start, it'll always be the last place you look.
Glad you got it fixed...
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<---Air Cooled Search & Rescue Team - STICKERS & T-shirts for sale!
I NEED A CAMPER!!!! (1971 is ideal but will consider other years)
http://www.TeamSpatula.com

Glenn · Posted: Tue Oct 19, 2004 2:17 pm Post subject:

I had a valve spring break 2 months ago that could of done alot of damage to my engine.

It's a $3 part.

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Glenn
74 Beetle Specs | 74 Beetle Restoration | 2180cc Engine
"You may not get what you pay for, but you always pay for what you get"

Member #1009

#BlueSquare

3Bugs · Posted: Tue Oct 19, 2004 3:08 pm Post subject:

The reason I did not think to change the condenser was because it was only about three months old when I took the old dizzy out to put in my 009. I know your suppose to change them every tune up but three months is a short time for a condenser to go bad. Fooled Me!

Glenn,
How did you discover that one?
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3Bugs
Well, actually a 67 Bug, 72 Super, 61 Ghia and a 2004 Beetle Vert (sorry)

Glenn · Posted: Tue Oct 19, 2004 3:36 pm Post subject:

Tram · Posted: Tue Oct 19, 2004 6:54 pm Post subject:

Small things can also cause the biggest problems in a divorce.

Glad you got it straightened out. Wink

TeamSpatula · Posted: Wed Oct 20, 2004 5:55 am Post subject:

Looks like the 50 cent clip that holds the throwout bearing in place has gone out on my vanagon...that'll be a 4 or 5 hour PITA fix...
it's not the part itself, it's how much work you have to go through to get to it...
_________________
<---Air Cooled Search & Rescue Team - STICKERS & T-shirts for sale!
I NEED A CAMPER!!!! (1971 is ideal but will consider other years)
http://www.TeamSpatula.com

OnlyVW · Posted: Wed Oct 20, 2004 11:02 am Post subject:

Small parts. big probles, be glad it wasn't a lug nut that came off... Been there done that,it sucked.
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I may drive a GMC, but I long for a DUB!

CoBusDriver · Posted: Tue Oct 26, 2004 6:53 pm Post subject:

$9.95 w/new washer...
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Big Mike
'58 standard
'71 westy

CoBusDriver · Posted: Tue Oct 26, 2004 7:00 pm Post subject:

New cam $50
Cam lube $5

properly breaking in your new engine... priceless!
_________________
Big Mike
'58 standard
'71 westy

TimGud · Posted: Tue Oct 26, 2004 7:06 pm Post subject:

Saving three dollars on fuel line has cost more people their VW's to fires.

Glenn · Posted: Tue Oct 26, 2004 7:22 pm Post subject:

A few monts ago someone brought me a siezed engine. After tearing it down i found one of the wrist pin retainers was missing and the wrist pin wore a groove in the cylinder wall taking the cylinder, head, rod and crank.

All for a $0.10 part.
_________________
Glenn
74 Beetle Specs | 74 Beetle Restoration | 2180cc Engine
"You may not get what you pay for, but you always pay for what you get"

Member #1009

#BlueSquare

lemke · Posted: Tue Oct 26, 2004 7:34 pm Post subject:

How about a 99 cent part that will prevent a major accident?
A rubber brake pedal pad. If it wears out and you’re stepping on a metal pedal, your foot could slip and…. LOOKOUT!

Spend 39 cents for a hose clamp on your fuel line, and check those inexpensive hoses, and you could prevent a fire.


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