Volkswagen: 71 Super Beetle, spark plug gapper, high octane fuel

Question
Ron: I have a 71 Super Beetle. It has been setting in my
driveway for about 3 years. I use to drive it a lot, now
I'm just trying to get it started and running. Where do
I start?  New battery? Tune Up? There hasn't been any gas
in the tank for about a year, it's January and cold, do I
add any type of treatment when I put gas in the bug? If
you were going to start from scratch to get the bug running, where would you start? Thank you.


Answer
Hi Lee,

Excellent question.  Most people ruin some nice Vdubs, by starting it up after letting it sit for years.  It is tempting, because VW's usually respond well.  But, in all reality, you are taking about 15,000 miles of life out of it by a 'hibernation start'.

First, do a visual inspection of all the fuel lines. Check for cracks, etc.  

Second, be willing to spend about $50.00-60.00 in tune up parts.
Assuming everything is inspected, here we go:

Tune Up Parts check list:

1) Plug Wires
2) Plugs
3) Distributor cap, rotor, points, and condensor
4) Fuel Filters (3)
5) Engine Oil
6) Air Filter or if it is an oil bath cleaner, fresh oil.
7) Oil strainer kit
8) Very good high-octane fuel system additive/cleaner.
9) Valve cover gaskets
10) V-Belt

Recommended sources for these parts:

www.mamotorworks.com/vw
www.thebusdepot.com
www.wolfsburgwest.com

Tools Needed:

1) Timing Light
2) Feeler gauge with .006 blade for valves and one .015 (I believe that is correct for a 1971) for which to gap your points.
3) 13 MM Box wrench to adjust valves.
4) 8MM Socket (for oil strainer)
5) Spark plug gapper
6) Anti-seize compound

Those are the specialty tools, the rest are straight forward.

Now, to get it started:

1) Take out the plugs, put in about 2 Teaspoons (use a turkey-baster or the like) of motor oil into the spark plug holes.  This will give the cylinders a little up-top lubrication prior to start up.  Fit new plugs, use anti-seize compound so they don't get frozen and ruin the threads.

2) Replace the points, cap, rotor, and condensor.  Place three drops of oil on that fuzzy wick just under the rotor.  Carefully place a tiny dab (pin sized) of silicone grease on the part of the points that ride against the cam of the distributor shaft.  Gap points, assemble.

3) Put new ignition wires on.

4) Replace fuel filter
5) Replace air filter, or change oil if oil bath cleaner.
6) Adjust all valves to .006 clearance.  This is important.  If you are unsure how to do this, check your VW manual.  Put new valve cover gaskets on.
7) Change motor oil, use new strainer and gaskets.
8) Replace V-Belt
9) With battery disconnected... slowly turn motor a couple of times to let the oil you 'turkey basted' in to the cylinders spread a nice coating on the cylinder walls.
10) Put gas treatment in tank.
11) Fill with 1/4 tank of fuel
12) Reconnect battery and turn the motor over.  
13) Let run for about 10 minutes, check all around for any leaks, dripping.  After, 3 years and pulling off the valve cover gaskets, a little smoke is OK, it's probably just dust and gunk burning off.
14) Now, do the ignition timing according to specs for 1971.  Again, if you are unsure of the proper settings, refer to the manual or use the chart on:

www.wolsburgwest.com

15) After about 50 miles, change to fuel filter #2.  While doing this, it is a good time to do a visual inspection of all your work, especially being mindful of any drips, loose belt, etc.

Finally, enjoy your VW for years to come.

Note: Lee, this only applies to the engine portion.  You will want to inspect your brakes, brake fluid, lights, tires, etc.

Happy Motoring, Please let me know when you are up and running.  I like to hear when an old vdub is purring along once again.

Take Care,

Ron