1987 Beetle 1200 Running Problem - HELP!!

[bigredbug]

Hello All

I've got a 1987 Beetle with a running problem which appears to be intermittent. It starts up okay and sometimes sounds fine and runs for around 5 minutes but then cuts out although it seems to lack power if driven. Other times it will start okay, sound rough but then cut out on idle after a few minutes.

I've attached a youtube video to highlight the problem but ironically it didnt cut out today! You can see its not sounding well and if it was being driven it would have no power and backfire. There's also a strong smell of petrol, some bursts of blue smoke too when it sounds like its going to cut out, the engine was cold from the start of the video, the engine almost stalls at around 4.50 - 5.30

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z_w0kEGlRO0

Things i've already tried are, new fuel pump, fuel filter, new distributer and condenser, cleaned the carburetter and ensured jets are okay. I'm not sure if the automatic choke is working as when cold it appears to be half closed? I'm not sure if this is a fuel problem or an electrical fault but as you can appreciate I'm starting to spend money chasing the wrong problems!!

Any help would be greatly appreciated Thanks All.[/youtube]

[mukluk]

The behaviour it's exhibiting has many possible causes, your best course of action at this point would be a good solid tune up so as to verify gaps, tolerances, and settings are all within allowable specifications. Start with setting your valve lash when cold to .006", clean & gap your plugs to .024", then point dwell to 47-50°, timing as appropriate for your distributor, then fiddle with the carb idle speed and mixture last. Of note, it appears you have the fast idle screw on the throttle arm turned out so as not to touch the fast idle cam at all when the choke is fully open -- this is incorrect. With the choke fully open, the fast idle screw should be turned in so that it just barely touches the fast idle cam then turned in an additional quarter to one-half turn. This sets the throttle plate to where it is closed at idle but will not allow the throttle plate to jam in the carburetor throat.

[bigredbug]

Many thanks for your reply, i will do this and see what happens!