AboutRon Wolff Expertise I am proficient in the following areas of VW Air Cooled Models from 1968-1979:
Vehicles: Super Beetle, Beetle, Thing, Karmann Ghia, Bus, Westfalia/Bus
Areas of expertise years 1968-1979
Engine Rebuild advice for all air cooled engines
VW Brake system replacement
Automatic Stickshift transmission
VW KOOL and DPD air conditioning systems (ex. thing)
Westfalia Electrical system dual battery
Westy Refridge Repair
Westy Cabinet Repair
Westy
AFC Fuel Injection system (1975 bugs) (1975 bus/Westys)
Soundproofing
General type 4 engine rebuild/technical data (i.e. 1.7 ltr, 1.8., 2.0) for buses
VW Air Cooled Beetle and Bus Paint codes
VW Distributor Compatibility Information
Westy component repair
Emission Systems
Exhaust Systems
General Electric System
Door rebuild (windows, seals, vent windows)
Body Panel Removal and general repair (non-welded)
Charging System
Convertible top Installation: Beetle
CV joints
Engine Troubleshooting
Valve Train
Non areas of expertise:
High Performance Modifications
Front end related components
Rear suspension (spring plate adjustment)
Bodywork / painting
Experience
Past/Present clients I often contribute to the westfalia users group technical boards. I have been a member for about 4 years. My usermame is 76Heatwagen
I restore vintage Volkswagens and currently own 4 of them.
Expert: Ron Wolff Date: 3/24/2007 Subject: 1971 won't start
Question Ron, I have a 1971 Bug convertible that has been in my garage and not started for over 3 months. The battery was dead, so I charged it, got the car to start and drove it around. The battery would not hold a charge, (over 4 years old). My friend took it to her house to use for a while and it wouldn't start once she shut it off. I explained how to use jumper cables to get it going, but she said no matter what she did, the starter would not turn over, the lights went on, etc. Knowing how old the battery was and wouldn't hold a charge I purchased a new one, installed it, checked the lights working, radio etc. all OK. I checked the fuse bank under the dash and they were all fine. When I tried starting the car, all it would do is click, not even an attempt to turn the starter motor. I there another fuse somewhere that could have blown while she was attempting to use the jumpers? How can I check for a bad solenoid or starter motor? thanks, Jerry Chilik
Answer Hi Jerry,
You can take a jumper cable and connect the solenoid wire to the starter wire. (ergo---the + from the battery directly to the starter).
If the starter turns over, you know the solenoid is bad. If you get nothing, than it's time for a new starter.
