hard start

[TheGoKart11]

so when i get into start my bug it usually takes about 2 or 3 cranks to get it started its sorta embarrassing when im in the school parking lot trying to start her up i was just wondering what would cause this? and what can i do to fix it? or is this just common with all the FI bugs?
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77 std beetle
Scuba Steve
"live life to the fullest"

[TheGoKart11]

ummmm yep so anyways
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77 std beetle
Scuba Steve
"live life to the fullest"

[Randy in Maine]

What kind of dwell angle are seeing with your dwell meter?

[TheGoKart11]

ya im sorta a newbie so no clue what a dwell angle or any of that even is sorry im defenently trying to learn tho
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77 std beetle
Scuba Steve
"live life to the fullest"

[Randy in Maine]

Your VW came from the factory using a "kettering igniton system" which uses a set of points that open and close and tell the spark plugs when to fire. Like this http://users.mrbean.net.au/~rover/ketterin.htm

These points located inside the distributor look sort of like this.... http://www.busdepot.com/details.jsp?partnumber=01011

The points are set using a feeler gauge to about 0.016" and that point gap is verified using a dwell meter, sort of like this

http://www.actron.com/product_detail.php?pid=16155

I like the dwell angle to be 47º +/- 3º myself. What you are measuring with the dwell angle is the time it take for the electrical current generated inside the coil to get ready to fire to the the next points cycle.

When the points get worn, the point gap closes up and it sometimes it takes a few tries to get the engine to fire at the right time. The point gap can be adjusted if needed or the points can get replaced. In olden days we used to file the points where they "pit" from wear, but that doesn't work since tungston points came into existence in the 70's. I still have one in my toolbox though.

After you dink with the points, you must check the igniton timing to make sure it is correct.

Read up on that kettering ignition system and remove the distributor cap and have a look at them. It is an old technology that is pretty simple and works although it is somewhat "needy" in that it requires some maintenance on your part.

If you have a "points replacement module" (like a petronics or a compufire) the issue is moot since you do not have points anymore.

[TheGoKart11]

wow thanks a whole lot thats alot of info ill check it out and see if i can do something with it once again thanks for all the info
_________________
77 std beetle
Scuba Steve
"live life to the fullest"