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.
Question QUESTION: Hey Ron,
I just purchased a 1979 VW Conv. Beetle, it was sitting idle for 7 years or so. I got a new battery and well it started but does not idle. It dies, i changed out the head temp sensor, replaced spark plugs, wires, rotor, and cap. It starts now but idles rough and a lot of smoke comes out the exhaust pipes. I also noticed that looks like black sooth comes out the exhaust. What does this mean? Thanks in advance
ANSWER: Hey Armando,
Congratulations on your purchase.
I would suggest a couple things:
1) Drain the fuel and replace it with new.
2) If it is '79, it should be fuel injected, so replace the fuel filter under the gas tank.
3) Change the oil
4) Adjust the valves (Very Important)
5) Adjust the timing
6) Replace the belt (even if it looks new)
The soot is most likely just carbon from it sitting for so long.
These steps should make your VW road worthy and stop it from stalling out.
Best of luck, and let me know if I can help you any further.
Thanks,
Ron
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: Thanks Ron,
Well as soon as I took of the valve covers, I noticed that a pushrod (intake) had come off the rocker. What does this mean, or why did it happen? The pushrod was not bent, I rolled it on a piece of glass and rolled smoothly but I am concerned about a dent it made on the pushrod tube. Well I posted a topic on the Samba forums. Here is the post: (viewtopic.php?t=252230 for some reason it wont let me post a full address) . Another quick question, I read on your previous post that you might have schematics for DPD air conditioner, the bug has a complete system but does not turn on. If you could email them to me.
Thanks again Ron
Armando
Answer Armando:
The pushrod most likely came off the rocker because the valves were in poor adjustment, or the valve train was loose.
YOU ARE VERY SMART for being concerned about the pushrod tube being bent. Here is why: Bent pushrod tubes often end having a hole 'rubbed' through it by the up and down motion of the pushrod.
If this happens, all of the oil leaks from your motor, and it basically is shot.
Here is the suggested remedy:
1) Check the torque on the heads on make sure they are ok. If you do not want to take the cylinder head off, cut out the bent alumiunum pushrod tube, remove the end seals and purchase a pushrod tube that you can install without having to pull the head. (they are spring-loaded, adjustable). You can purchase them at www.mamotorworks.com/vw
2) Remove the two 13MM nuts that hold on the valve train and put the push rod back in. Torque the valve train to specs. in your handy VW book.
3) Perform a complete valve adjustment on both sides.
4) Check your valves when cold at the following intervals: 200 Miles, 500 Miles, 1,000 Miles, than every 2K. The purpose for this is to make sure that none of the valves are stretching or receding in thier seats.
As far as the A/C goes: e-mail me at ronwolffjr@hotmail.com and I will send you the DPD specs when I have an opportunity.
Good catch with the valves, you probably saved your motor.
