Bug dies while downshifting --timing weird

[Speedbird73]

So, I have been searching the forums for a while now, but haven't been able to find exactly the same issue so here it is:

While driving my bug ('72 1600 DP manual with an 009 distributor) over the summer, all was fine. I went away to college, and came back to drive it about 2 months later. It was still fine.

I got it out of the garage a few days ago and the engine doesn't want to idle when downshifting if I keep the clutch in too long, so I have to work the gas while slowing down. The engine also bogs down or stumbles when I try and accelerate in different gears.

This is where things get interesting: I fumbled with the carb and idle and nothing seemed to help, so I turned to the timing. I plugged in the timing light, and found that the timing marks are nowhere close to where they should be. Instead the timing marks are probably 40-50 degrees to the left of the center of the case (Near where the fan belt leaves the crank pulley heading up to the generator). I tried turning the distributor to get them back towards the split in the case, but it bogged down and died.....But, in the past when I had adjusted my valves, lining up the marks with the split, brought everything to TDC.


Starting to think that the stumbling/dying is because of points not advancing properly. Lots of issues, but any help would be nice!

[Xevin]

Could be condenser. Could be dirty carb. Could be.....
I would clean up the carb. Couldn’t hurt. I had a dirty carb that had that same symptom once.
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[DurocShark]

Ground strap?
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[wcfvw69]

I'd start with setting the engine valves. Then, set the timing to 7.5BTDC or 30* rev'd up till all advance is in.

Yank the carb and take it apart. Soak it carb cleaner overnight. It sounds like your idle circuit is clogged. Blow out all the passages with carb cleaner. Reassemble and adjust it correctly. 2.5 turns out is a BASE SETTING. Sometimes you have to turn them out further to achieve a good idle.

Then, ditch your 009 and get a Bosch SVDA or DVDA that is matched to your 34-3. You'll enjoy driving your bug so much more without flat spots or off idle hesitations.
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[Xevin]

What Bill said. Here is some fine video for your enjoyment


Link



Link

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[ashman40]

Before you do any changes to your timing... set the point gap/dwell. It sounds like the gap has changed. Did the rubbing block on the points come off?
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AshMan40
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[VW_Jimbo]

^^^
This.

Also, check the wires coming out of the distributor cap. Pull all of them out, one at a time, and inspect them for corrosion. Especially the coil feed. Also, check the coil one, at the coil. Sometimes a small amount of moisture gets down in there and stews. If you parked it and it was left wet, and put away, it may have grown a flower under those boots.

If that all checks out, change your fuel filter. Then put a wrench on the two nuts that hold the carb on the intake manifold. Also check your intake boots. Check the nuts at the end castings too.

If any of those items change the idle speed, you will need to reset all the basics at the carb.
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[Speedbird73]

Thanks for the suggestions guys! I was starting to think that it was the points...But, I am back at college for two weeks, so I won't be able to work on the bug until spring break. Looking at putting dual carbs (Dual Empi 34 pict 3's) on there, along with a new distributor, the 009 on there now is in rough shape. I am thinking of going vaccum advance with electronic ignition...

What do you guys think about my timing issue, as that has me baffled.

[vamram]