‘73 SB won’t start...

[GratefulPhish]

I appreciate the feedback, that is an old picture. I'm going to add some length of wire to the ignition to replace the wire nuts, re-check the connections to the new Bosch coil and then test again.

I'll hold off on the carb cleaning until I see how this goes...

[GratefulPhish]

Had an opportunity while the kids were engaged to get some work done today. I removed the wire nuts on the wires coming from the distributor and used some shrink connectors mentioned in this thread to reconnect them. Added some new rings on the end as well. Put new spade connectors on all but the green/white wires and reconnected everything to the coil and idle cutoff.

Turned the key and it fired right up! Before replacing all these wired connections, the car was difficult to start and then needed constant feathering of the gas to keep it running. Today, it started right up and kept running with my foot lightly on the gas pedal. It stalled when I removed my foot from the gas.
Before parking it for the winter, it always idled just fine so I guess that’s my next challenge. Any suggestions on where to start would be great!

[VW_Jimbo]

If it was me, I would go through a good tune up. Change the fuel filter. Clean the air filter. Make sure the thermostatic flap works. Adjust the valves cold. Adjust the choke cold. Warm it up, set the timing and the idle. Turn it off. Drain the oil and clean the sump screen. Get some new oil in it and start it back up. Get it warmed up again and set the basics.

Then go for a drive and see what it does!
_________________
Jimbo

There is never enough time to do it right the first time, but all the time necessary the second time!

[GratefulPhish]

-Replaced Coil with a new Bosch Blue
-Replaced all wire connectors
-Removed wire nuts from ignition to coil wires and used heat shrink connectors
-Replaced spark plugs
-Replaced idle solenoid

Still dealing with intermittent starting and then very low idle after startup. Sometimes requiring constant pumping of the gas pedal to keep from dying or slight constant pressure on the gas pedal to keep it idling.

Plan:
-Test battery to ensure its keeping a full charge
-Re-test solenoid
-Adjust valves
-Read about how to adjust carb...

[ashman40]

[GratefulPhish]

To do that test with the jumper cables, I need to first disconnect the #15 wire from the coil, right?

[ashman40]

[GratefulPhish]

I'll try to avoid that...

Will report back my findings.

THANK YOU

[VW_Jimbo]

If your battery is weak, you will need to charge it. Using a less than stellar battery when setting up basic engine settings is asking for problems! Get the battery charged to 100% or get a new one. Money well spent.

Cars are all about basic design points. If a system is out of the design limit, it kills the other systems, dragging them down.

And go through this web site. Really some good stuff!
http://www.vw-resource.com/tune_up.html
_________________
Jimbo

There is never enough time to do it right the first time, but all the time necessary the second time!

[GratefulPhish]

Update:

-returned/replaced the battery and installed it.
Tried using the jumper cables to bypass the ignition and it didn’t start. Removed the cables and re connects everything.
Tried starting and wouldn’t catch. I checked the carb to see if the throttle was working correctly and I noticed that when I pulled back on the throttle arm a small stream of gas shot out of the back of the carb onto the fan shroud. Looks like it’s coming from the accelerator pump.

[Cusser]

[GratefulPhish]

Update:
The solenoid continued to make the rapid clicking sound when the engine would stall so I disconnected the wire and removed it. I installed a new old one that I had in a box of parts and reconnected the wire. Got back in the driver seat and it fired right up! Idled like the day it rolled off the assembly line. As it idled I reinstalled the air cleaner, all hoses and connections. Ran around the block a few times and it purred like a kitten.

So after ALL this time it seems that the first diagnosis of a faulty solenoid was the correct one. Unfortunately the new one i purchased was also faulty...so annoying but glad it seems to be fixed for now.

Next I need to get a new gasket for the accelerator pump and fix that dangerous leak. Jbugs has this one, I think it’s what I need. https://www.jbugs.com/product/113198575URK.html?rrec=true

Sigh of relief for today. Couldn’t have gotten this far without all of your support sambateers. I’ll hoist a drink for y’all tonight.

[GratefulPhish]

Replaced the accelerator diaphragm, installed a new air filter and adjusted the valves in the dark last night , hoping I didn't miss anything in the reconnection of the air breather and carburetor! I should have an opportunity to try and fire it up tonight to see how everything goes...wish me luck!

[ashman40]

After replacing the diaphragm for the accelerator pump I would check the quality of the discharge from the accelerator pump nozzle. If the nozzle was clogged it could have cause a premature failure of the pump diaphragm as too much pressure built up. The nozzle has a very small opening and it doesn't take much to clog it either partially or fully.
_________________
AshMan40
---------------------------
'67 Beetle #1 {project car that never made it to the road }
'75 Beetle 1200LS (RHD Japan model) {junked due to frame rot}
'67 Beetle #2 {2019 project car - Wish me luck!}

[GratefulPhish]

I'll check it again. Before removing it, the stream looked strong and consistent, there wasn't a displacement in the stream...

[GratefulPhish]

After sitting for a few days, it took some time to get it started but when it did, it purred like a kitten. I took it out for a ride and it seemed to be more responsive and have a bit more power, I am going to attribute that to the valve adjustment. They were super tight.

Thanks for all of the encouragement and advice in this thread, without you all this thing would not be humming like it is. Much appreciated!

[GratefulPhish]

Finally solved this one thanks to the collective intelligence and PATIENCE of everyone here. Turns out it was the ignition switch. After all this time, it was the cheapest and easiest part to install.
All in all it wasn’t a total loss, I did a lot of upgrades and attempted things I wouldn’t have otherwise. Big thanks again for all the help!

[wimkever]

[GratefulPhish]

Neither do I...

I basically went back through all the discussions and tried everything again. when I used the jumper to the coil it fired up, so i replaced the ignition switch. Seems to have been the issue all along?