1973 Volkswagen Beetle Help!! I won't start

1973 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE
157,000 MILES • 4 CYL • 2WD • MANUAL
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CPBBQ2001
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  • 3 POSTS
I have a 73 beetle. I've been starting it every few days and I fiannly got a chance to change the oil and fix the oil sump gasket. I also got the oil bath filter filled and attached (i bought the car a few weeks ago). After getting those things fixed I went to start it and it turns over and does nothing else. What do I check, or how do I get it to start?
Mar 1, 2009 at 2:29 PM
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RASMATAZ
  • CAR REPAIR CONTRIBUTOR
  • 75,992 POSTS
You need to check if you have fuel and spark-Do below

Get a starting fluid/ether/better off gas in a spray bottle and spray into the carb or the throttle body on an EFI. Did it start and die? If not disconnect a sparkplug wire or 2 and ground it to the engine -have helper crank engine over-do you have a snapping blue spark? If so-you have a fuel related problem, check the fuel pressure to rule out the fuel filter/fuel pump/pressure regulator and listen to the injector/s are they pulsing or hook up a noid light. No snapping blue spark continue to troubleshoot the ignition system-power input to the coil/coil packs,distributor pick-up coil, ignition control module, cam and crank sensors- Note: If it doesn't apply disregard it
Mar 1, 2009 at 2:31 PM
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CPBBQ2001
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i feel pretty dumb about the problem. i checked the battery and it died. The date on it was from 1994. I replaced it and now it works, thanks for the advice, that will come in handy someday on this car
Mar 7, 2009 at 7:46 PM
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