First breakdown

[iMacMan]

Hey guys, I'm looking for a push in the right direction here as my go to VW guy is not around for a while and I need to get my Splitty back on the road.

We broke down last week, after almost a year of trouble free driving.

A few weeks back I started getting a back-fire and it was running a little rough, but a quick spray of WD40 in the carb solved the problem and all was good. The same thing happened a week ago and again a splash of WD40 seemed to fix the issue but I realized something needed looking at. Then the inevitable happened and we broke down and had to be towed home.

The following day I did manage to start it but it was really rough and backfiring. Yesterday I tried again but it won't idle without me keeping my foot on the accelerator.

Today I can't get it to start at all.

I've read "how to keep your Volkswagen alive" from cover to cover and tried tinkering but due to lack of time and knowledge I'm hoping someone can point me in the right direction to get me going again.

1964 12V double cab

Thanks

[iMacMan]

[consvws]

Check all the basic stuff first. Cap, rotor, points. Make sure the screw securing the condenser is tight. Fuel pressure? What color is the exhaust pipe? Check for a faulty ignition switch with a test light.

Just a few thoughts, good luck, nice truck!

[Eric&Barb]

Do a proper 3,000 mile tune up without replacing parts and see if that helps. If not, it is probably the carb.

You need to start learning how to diagnose and fix your VW, or marry your VW go to guy. Otherwise you will always be on the towing leash on any trip you do. While it can be a steep learning curve, it will be rewarding if you want to be more in charge of your future VW adventures.

Do post images of the engine. That way all of us VW nutters can all point out problems that will need fixing.
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In Stereo, Where Available!

[d___dles]

I know the issue could be so many things but what you describe sounds similar to what my bus was going through not long ago and it ended up being the points.
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1967 Riveria Camper

[earlywesty]

Where are you? I am in Ontario and maybe can help.

[Blue Baron]

[iMacMan]

Thanks guys, I will try and get a couple of hours tomorrow to start going through your suggestions. It’s about time I got clued up on whats going on back there!

I’m in the Niagara region, Canada, although I’m from the UK. I will report back my progress . . .

[Busted-bolt]

if WD 40 fixes the problem for a bit maybe the valves need to be adjusted . The extra "Wetness " makes the valves seal up for a short time then its back to the same old back firing again.Because the WD 40 drys out. Its just my 2 cents.
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Vw collection 60 combi ,61 panel ,62 deluxe micro,82 diesel Westfalia,88 Vanagon synchro,98 Jetta tdi,11 Jetta tdi mt ,11 Jetta tdi dsg.
I do all my own work,body,engine and transmission.

[iMacMan]

Just updating this post.

I went ahead and followed the suggestions here, did a 3000 mile service, checking and replacing parts as needed. It made no difference so I managed to get it booked into 'Johns Bug Shop' here in the Niagara region.

Turns out it was a faulty solenoid, a very cheap and quick repair. I could have been trying for ages and would never have found it.

Anyway, it's running better than ever and I'm so glad to be back on the road!

[iMacMan]

[Eric&Barb]

Good that was easy, and if needed be we all would have got to that sooner than later. Tune up always takes a lot of other possible problems out of the equation. Do post images of the engine, and you might want to convert this thread by changing the title to cover your bus. That way you can cover the history of the bus and your future adventures.
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In Stereo, Where Available!

[Lind]