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 I recently bought a 1969 bug with a 1600 single port engine. I did a valve job, replaced spark plugs, cap and rotor (its an electronic distributor), coil, and did the timing. When it runs it runs great (its a refurbished engine). Recently it has had this intermittent problem. I will drive it and it will just stop running like I turned the key in the off possition.Then when I try to start it it wont start. I checked to see if it was getting spark and its not.I'm getting 12 volts to the ciol. Then out of the blue it will start again, and runs perfect for awhile.It also happens when I drive somewhere and turn the car off and when I try to restart it... nothing! Please help! Thanks
Answer David,
Fortunately, this does not sound like a major problem for your little 69! From your symptoms, it seems like any of the following items could be the problem:
1) The wire to the coil is loose. (upon engine heat up, the plug expands and loses connectivity)
2) A faulty condenser
3) The electric auto-choke on the carb is stuck 'on'.
4) A faulty coil or loose wire from coil to top of distributor.
The best way to resolve this, is to do the electric checks when the car is dead.
