QuestionQUESTION: I have a 1970 vw bug and im having problems with it...the first problem is getting it started...my father in law is a mechanic and he had it started but only by hitting the starter repeatedly....this was about three days ago. i went out to try and start it today and all i get is a little click. i hit the starter and got it going but it seems like the fuel filter isn't getting anything i have no power and cant go over 20 mph. its really frustrating because i love this car and i dont want to let it go...i've replaced all the points and distributor cap and rotor and that helped for a bit but its starting to backfire again. i basically want to know what you recommend i look at because honestly i dont know very much about cars...if you could help it would be much appreciated...thank you
Starter_test
ANSWER: Let's get it fixed!
First the starter. You either have the starter/solenoid going bad, or bad connections from the ignition circuit.
Try this: You need a multimeter or a test light. Pull the plug off the ignition switch, located under the steering column. Measure pin 30(the heavy red wire) to ground; it should have a constant 12vdc. If not, you likely have to find a burned wire and/or bad connection back to the battery; it is a direct connection(no fuses).
If the voltage is good, continue with this procedure. CAUTION: Make sure the transmission is in neutral, hand brake set! Now take a paper clip and short pin 30 to pin 50 (red/black stripe). This should kick the starter.
If not, there could be a bad wire/connection back to the starter(known as pin 50 on the starter, a clip-on terminal lug), or the starter is bad, or the ignition switch itself is bad(behind the key tumbler).
The most common problem is the connector at the starter is loose and/or dirty because it's under the car dealing with all the nasty elements (mud, oil, etc). Sometimes the lug itself is loose from old age and needs to be pinched with pliers or completely replaced. Clean up all the connections, or fix them as required, then try key starting again.
If you still get no spin, check the starter itself as follows: Take a screwdriver or a jumper wire(see attached diagram), get under the car, and short the battery connection on the starter (the heaviest wire) to terminal 50(the small wire to the ignition terminal as described above). Warning: You'll probably get sparks; make sure there is no leaking gas or heavy fumes detectable before doing this! ALso, I have to emphasize, MAKE SURE THE CAR IS IN NEUTRAL, HAND BRAKE SET; using wheel chocks is a good idea also. The starter should turn the engine over.
If it does not turn over now, you most likely can say you have a bad starter/solenoid; however a badly contacting battery negative ground strap to the body/engine could cause this too, but you'd likely have other electrical issues besides just getting the starter to spin.
I think this covers most of the possibilities. Once you've got the engine turning over reliably, you can move on to making it run better.
Get back to me once you've got the starter problem figured out and we'll attack the poor running issues.
--- Follow up ---
Also check the condition of the battery and cables. Make sure you have a good charge. Clean any corrosion and tighten all the connections.
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: thanks for the help!!! after looking at everything i figured the starter connector was loose and that the ignition fuse was pretty much blown...i replaced it and it starts just fine now : ) but now i've discovered a fuel leak around the carburetor and im wondering if my fuel pump went out possibly or if one of the hoses is leaking....could that be the reason i have NO power when i drive...when i start it up and look at the engine there is no fuel going through my fuel filter...is this a common problem with bugs?
Answer
carb_float
Azaria,
First of all, track down and fix the leak. If fuel is leaking from the carb, and you do not find a bad hose/connection, then I believe the internal float is stuck OPEN. I would take off the carb, take it apart, and clean it thoroughly inside and out. Pay close attention to operation of the float and it's needle valve. Don't be scared, just find a good place work, work slowly, take digital pictures along the way if need be so you can get it all back together properly. Also, if you are this far into the carb, you may want to go ahead and get a carb rebuilt kit, it's not that expensive, so why not replace the vulnerable/worn parts now?
Also, please keep in mind that many bugs/buses are left burning on the side of the road because of those cheap plastic, press-on, fuel filters installed without clamps. Make sure every fuel hose connection is clamped properly.
See if you can pin down the leak and let me know where you want to go next.
- Rick O.
