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: 3/16/2007 Subject: my 1977 vw bus will NOT start
Question QUESTION: i bought a 1977 vw bus about two months ago and have devoted alot of time into it and have replaced the points the spark plugs the condenser the distributor cap the spark plug wires the coil and the rotor and my bus still will not start it will turn over and is getting spark but will not start what should i do again?
ANSWER: Hi Justin,
If you are getting a spark, have someone turn over the engine and see if you smell fuel at the tail pipe. You should get a definite odor.
If not, the problem lies in the injection system.
Some quick checks for this:
1) Ensure every tube is securely tightened and there are no leaks.
2) Have someone turn over the engine, and make sure that you hear the electric fuel pump running. It is located near the driver side rear-wheel.
3) Check to make sure that the white wire is connected to the negative terminal of the coil. This controls the injector operation.
Let me know how you make out, this does not sound like a major problem...just some troubleshooting.
Take Care,
Ron
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: ok the wires are hooked up my fuel pump is working and you can definatly smell gas so what should i do now?
Answer Hi Justin,
If you have a spark and fuel, the next two things to check are as follows:
1) Make sure each of the spark plug wires are correctly attached to the appropriate cylinder: Adjust the engine to Top Dead Center, and make SURE the rotor is pointing to the notch on your distributor body. This corresponds to cylinder #1. Going counter clockwise on the cap, the wire order should be 1-2-3-4.
2) Check all the air hoses. If you have one of the hoses hooked up wrong, or one has fallen off, the engine won't start. Pay particular close attention to the large ones surrounding the intake air sensor (looks like a waffle iron).
