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 My 1974 VW Super Beetle begins to produce A LOT of smoke (more bluish than grayish) after it has run for a few minutes. It pours a virtual smokescreen when making left turns, then quiets down a bit, but still smokes a lot. Does the Left Turn factor indicate anything specific? What's the fix - something simple like changing the oil a couple times with some Bardahl, or do I need to replace valves?
Answer Chris,
It actually sounds like your valve cover gaskets (more so on the left) are leaking on to the exhaust. Actually, the heat exchangers.
Typically, when those gaskets go, the oil drips out on to the hot exchangers and creates smoke.
I would check and replace these. Also, because you will have the covers off, do yourself a big favor and adjust the valve clearance.
NOTE: Only do valve clearance adjustment on a completely cool engine, or it will throw off the accuracy.
