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.
My son has a 1977 VW transporter with the Bosch Fuel Injection. My mechanic tells me that the fuel injection computer is faulty and causing it to run very lean and hot. There is a very low power from the engine. It is a recent rebuild with hydraulic lifters and cam. I have not been able to verify this diagnosis or able to find a replacement fuel injection computer, these seem to be very difficult to find. I would think there must be someone who repairs theses units. Any help greatly appreciated.
Best,
Jeff
Answer Jeff,
I have been working with these systems for years, and I can say with a great deal of confidence, that it is very rare that the computer would be shot, causing such a condition that you describe.
For the fuel injection system to create such a 'lean' condition that it would run very hot, yet with no power -- I would check the following first:
1)#3 Cylinder Head Temp Sensor: This is a screw-on type part that costs under $20.00. You can check this part out with a simple voltage meter, refer to the Bentley Manual for proper settings.
2# There is an air leak somewhere. This is the 2nd most common problem with creating a lean condition on that engine. The motor is a variable maze of vacuum lines, hoses, connectors, etc. Each one needs to be checked for 1) accuracy of hook up #i.e. does it belong here# and 2) loosness, dried out, or broken/missing hose.
3) Ignition timing is not correctly set.
4) Hydraulic valves are not properly adjusted. #although they require no adjustment as a rule, they need to be adjusted upon rebuild#. See Bentley manual.
5) The intake air sensor flap is getting stuck. Again, you can test this part with a simple voltage meter and the Bentley manual.
6) There is a kink / clog in the fuel line somewhere.
The fuel injection system is very hearty. I would eliminate everything else in and around the engine prior to being suspect of the components.
