You are here:

Volkswagen/1969 vw bug

Advertisement

Expert: Ron Wolff - 9/18/2009


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.  

Let me know how you make out.

Ron

Volkswagen

All Answers

Answers by Expert:

Ask Experts

Volunteer

Ron 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.

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.