About Rick O. Expertise Classic, aircooled (rear engine) 1949-1979 VW's, specializing in electrical problems, fuel injection, and Type 181 "The Thing".
NOTE: I have limited experience on water-cooled VWs (Rabbit, Golf, Jetta, etc...) but I am glad to help to the extent of my knowledge, due to the fact there are currently no other experts registered for these models.
Experience 15 years of aircooled VW ownership and maintenance.
Publications Wikipedia, VW Beetle
Education/Credentials Retired US military Electronics Tech/Master Training Specialist, Civilian Computer engineer.
Question QUESTION: rick, all of your info has helped, but now the engine starts fine and idles fine,timing and dwell check out, but when you shut it off it will not start again for several hours?
ANSWER: John,
Good work getting it running. Now when you say it will not start, I assume it turns over. It sounds like the cold start valve, or the thermo-time switch located on the air intake distributor, or the aux air regulator, any of which may be operating incorrectly. These components normally operate during cold starting. Another possibility is Temp Sensor II located on the left head.
Rick
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QUESTION: rick, yes it will turn over but it will only run for about 5 minutes first time i turn it over then it will not start again for about 1-2 hours. another funny thing is i removed 2 fuel injectors to see if they were working ok and the car started???
ANSWER: John,
I think the cold start valve is leaking. Try disconnecting the fuel supply to it, plugging the line then starting again (when the engine is warm). Let me know how it goes.
Rick
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QUESTION: rick, i disconnected the cold start valve, the van started up and ran great all day!! now it will not start again. i have a new cold start on order. any ideas???
Answer John,
If you mean it will not start when COLD, then it sounds like you are on the right track. Reconnecting the Cold Start Valve (CSV) should allow you to start again.
However before replacing the CSV, be aware that the problem could be either the CSV or the Thermo Time Switch (which controls the CSV).
To test the circuit, remove the CSV but leave the electrical and fuel connections. Use a container to catch fuel spray. Disconnect the coil wire to keep the engine from starting. Remotely crank the engine continuously (or get a friend to help). The valve should only spray from 5 to 12 seconds. If it does not stop spraying, disconnect the electrical connection. If it still does not stop spraying (while cranking) the valve is bad. If it stops spraying, the Thermo Time Switch is faulty.
