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.
Expert: Ron Wolff Date: 9/19/2007 Subject: Injection v. carburation
Question Hi Ron.
We have a 1979 VW convertible that we brought with us to France. The flowmeter is malfunctioning. A local Beetle specialist recommends to convert from injection to carburetor, which he did quite a few times. He could find a flowmeter once in the US (the model was never sold in Europe) and replaced it: it worked, then started having problems at other places on the path and had to convert it anyway. The operation costs about E. 400 ($560). Would you say it is worth trying to get a replacement flowmeter from the US, or just go the simple, expensive way?
I'll be anxiously waiting for your answer. The car has been unusable for 8 months. Thank you very much. Jacques.
Answer Hello Jacques,
I would suggest never converting the 1979 VW to carburetor for the following reasons:
1) The 1979 was the last 'official' year of the VW Beetle Convertible, and the more original you keep it, the more money it will be worth.
2) The Mass Air Sensor (flow meter) can be purchased either on E-Bay as a used part for under $100 USD or new from www.mamotorworks.com/vw.
I would suggest buying a good used one (they rarely fail) and driving along.
