79 Bus not starting

[DBragg802]

I picked up this 79 Bay Window a few weeks ago. And Im having a bit of an issue with getting it to start.

It tries to start while its hooked up with jumper cables, but it was cranking VERY weakly.

I installed a new starter, cleaned all the grounds, new coil, and ignition switch and Ive got it to start cranking strong, but it still wont start.

I went ahead and checked the fuel pump, and my fuel pump isn't getting any power from the double relay. Where exactly would you suggest to start if my double relay isn't getting any power? This is my first fuel injected bus, so please bear with me.

[SGKent]

I would start with a new high quality battery. Until you do that you are wasting your time.

I would also make sure there is oil in the bus. How long was it sitting.
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“Most people don’t know what they’re doing, and a lot of them are really good at it.” - George Carlin

[DBragg802]

Bus sat since 2013 sadly.

It had oil still in there, but I drained it and topped it back up. Same with the fuel.

[KentABQ]

Welcome to The Samba, DBragg802!
And thanks for saving another Bay from the ravages of time.

Here's my favorite resource for fixing anything fuel injection related:
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/archives/manuals/afc_f...Manual.pdf

And my favorite source for fixing anything else is right here, with The Sambanistas.
You're in good hands, and these guys will help you get up and running soon.
_________________
-Kent-
1976 Riviera, 1.8l FI chrome yellow VAN - "Chloe"

"I must say, how can you be in a bad mood driving this vehicle full of vibrant color.
Cars of today are so bland in comparison. It's like driving a celebration!" ---WildIdea

Bus ownership via emoticons:
---williamM

[Poptopcamper]

I have a 1978 fuel injected engine. I tuned mine last summer. Other things to consider checking. Set Points gap. Clean the inside of the distributor cap. Check and set spark plug gap. You may need to clean the plugs if they are oily. Set the timing. If it's out of time it might not start. Clogged fuel injectors. Since the bus sat for a while the gas can turn to varnish and clog the injectors and fuel lines. Air filter. If it can't breathe it won't start and run. If you're in a cold climate, a faulty cold start valve can make it hard to start.
The thing about a 39 year old bus is that you have to assume that all parts are 39 years old and may need replacing or service. I speak from experience. If you don't have a Bentley manual for VW buses, I suggest you get one. It's the bible for bay window bus owners.
And unless you know that your fuel hoses have recently been replaced, you need to make that a priority. You don't want a ruptured hose lighting your engine on fire. These buses are notorious for igniting from old hoses leaking.
Old VW buses like lots of TLC. Don't forget to have fun and this Samba forum is a great resource for info.😎
_________________
If you only have one tool in your tool box, and it's a hammer, pretty soon, everything looks like it needs to be whacked!
1978 VW Riviera
2021 Dodge Ram 3/4 ton
2020 VW Tiguan
2001 Harley Electraglide Classic
1986 BMW R 800cc motorcycle
2002 Chevy Camaro Z28
1999 Harley Sportster 1200 Custom

[KentABQ]

[timvw7476]

pop the distributor cap, make sure it turns when you crank the starter-
pop a valve cover, see if the rockers are moving while cranking.
Start there so you don't waste too much time. I'm suspicious when ever
a bus is 'parked'. I park mine all the time. Almost every day. Not for years.

[DBragg802]

Thanks for the replies, hopefully one of these helps me get this old girl back on the road.

Ive already gone through the brakes and fuel lines. Ill make sure to hit everything else you guys have mentioned. My 71 Westy and Rabbits are taking up all the shop space right now so itll be a few days before I can start digging into the 79. Ill keep everyone updated though.
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1980 4 door Mountain Green Rabbit
1980 Sunbrite Yellow Caddy
1979 Tintop Bus
1971 Westfalia
1969 Westfalia
1966 Bug

[Wildthings]

What oil are you using? I see snow on the ground, so if you are running a 20w50 it is going to crank pretty slowly. A 10w40 or 10w30 would be better.

The fuel pump will not run just by turning the key on, for the pump to get power either the starter needs to be turning or the engine needs to be drawing enough air to open the door in the AFM. If you turn the key to the "ON" position and open the door in the AFM with a pencil inserted into the AFM through the air cleaner housing you should be able to hear the relay click and the pump run.

You need to add FI cleaner to your fuel tank and run the pump for several minutes to circulate the cleaner through the fuel rail.

[DBragg802]

Wildthings, I always use 10w40. Just happened to get some snow for a couple of days. I got it to start cranking faster after replacing some parts and cleaning the grounds.

But that's good to know. I thought the fuel pump was supposed to prime for a brief second after turning the key to on.. but like I said this is my first FI bus so I'm still learning the ropes! All this information is good to know!

Thanks again to everyone.
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1980 4 door Mountain Green Rabbit
1980 Sunbrite Yellow Caddy
1979 Tintop Bus
1971 Westfalia
1969 Westfalia
1966 Bug

[calo1956]

Congrats on the new bus! It looks awesome! Your in good hands here, Ill leave the suggestions to the more knowledge, I have all kinds of issues with my FI too, and have replaced everything. So good luck, and congrats on that awesome score!

[Spike0180]

I would start with getting a Bentley manual if you don't have one already. Its the one with the green cover. Here is the link for that: https://www.google.com/search?q=1979+bentley+manua...mp;bih=710

I wouldn't bother getting any of the other manuals, personally I just find that they don't offer anything this one doesn't.

And Welcome:

[airkooledchris]

If you still can't get it started, try to get some better up close pics of whatever is going on here. This appears to be some previous owner fiddling. There is no heater fan hanging down either, so there's some wires running around in non-standard locations.