Automobile / Volkswagen / Beetle

Volkswagen Beetle Repair Questions and Answers

Answer: In the center of the engine on the bottom of the crank case you will find a round steal plate, approximately 4 inches in diameter that has 6 bolts holding it to the bottom of the engine. Remove the 6 bolts and the cover to allow the oil to drain and give you access to the oil screen that is behind the 4 inch steel plate. You car was originally not equipped with an "oil filter".

Question:  1964 VW Beetle 1200 cc mileage: 55,000.  I am 14 years old. I just bought this classic and it ran for a long time (a week). I have had it for less than a month. I want to know why it won’t start. It turns over but won't start. I’m getting worried because I don’t know how long the gas should sit in there before getting bad and causing other problems. I know the car has 40-horse power it’s a type one and it’s an air-cooled engine. The oil is black. When changing the oil it recommends I run the car for a couple of minutes before but I can’t even start the car. 14 years old seems young to get a car but I loved cars since I was born and I’m buying the car myself.  PLEASE HELP my classic 1964 VW BEETLE.  Thank you you’re the best (only if you help) PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE!

Answer:  Three things are necessary for an engine to run, compression, spark at the right time and a proper amount of fuel.  Check compression of the engine, spark at the spark plugs and fuel in the carburetor.  By following this procedure, you will be able to determine why your car will not run.

Question:  1972 Volkswagen Beetle 1972 mileage: 100,000.  My speedometer stopped working.  A few weeks ago, it kept coming back to life every couple of minutes, but now it's dead.

Answer:    It has been a while since we have worked on the older model Volkswagen.  We think the problem with your speedometer has to do with the speedometer cable that goes to the front wheel.  The cable goes through the spindle and is attached to the grease cup with a small clip.  The clip has probably fallen off.  To fix your problem, remove the cup, pull the cable out slightly and install a new clip.

Question:  1972 Volkswagen Super Beetle mileage: 155,000  I am replacing the fuel pump.  The intermediate flange, which the push rod goes through, broke off in the hole, which goes to the crank casing.  How do I get it out?  The flange is plastic and appears to be stuck pretty well.

Answer:   Try an “easy out” tool to pull it out or select a proper size tap and thread it.  Then use a bolt to remove it.

Question:  1970: VW Super Bee bug mileage: 2000 rebuilt: just wondering what would be the right adjustment for gas and air mixture on carburetor? Thanks

Answer: The idle mixture should be adjusted with an exhaust gas analyzer to ensure proper emissions. If we remember right, there are two adjustment screws close together. The big one being idle speed, the small one, idle mixture. To get it close, turn the idle mixture adjustment screw in (clock-wise) until the engine speed drops. Back out adjustment to obtain the highest idle speed. Turn in 1/8 turn. It should be very close.

Question:  1977 Volkswagen type 1 bug 1600 fuel inj. mileage: 80,000.  About ten years ago dad bought my car from original owner and I drove it for about 6 months with no problems until I had a head-on collision damaging the right front fender. I joined the navy and the car just sat in the driveway until I got back home 4 years later. Dad and I got the body fixed and I changed the oil. I started hearing a knocking sound and took it to a shop. They said my bearing was worn so I got a new crankshaft and had a back-yard mechanic put it in. Since then, I’ve been trying to keep my car running. It starts fine. It just doesn't accelerate. When I try to place it in a gear and go it just putters out. I performed a test on the air cleaner and checked the potentiometer and it checked fine...thank God. But, I can’t figure it out.... I don’t know if it’s electrical or mechanical. This engine is such a good engine and everybody's telling me...stick a carburetor in it.........I’d like to fix it...its a fuel injected car. I don’t want to modify it...can you help me please, I’m so frustrated. I replaced the spark plugs and set the gaps to according to the book I think its 0.28 inches and replaced the sparkplug wires as well. I’m suspecting the auxiliary air regulator. I also had the timing set TDC with a strobe light and everything.... the car still won't accelerate...........I’d like to just drive it down the street that would make me happy after about ten years ............hehehe. I’m beyond frustrated.............I’d appreciate some advice.

Answer: Start by checking the compression and fuel pump pressure. Also, check the vacuum hoses, especially the hose to the manifold pressure sensor. Check for vacuum leaks on the manifold gaskets. Check that all of the engine wiring is correctly connected.

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