1978 FI Bug Vert

[MikeH]

Notice anything wrong with that vacuum hose? I didn't catch it right away.



Vacuum hose on the dizzy isn't supposed to go to the throttle body, it goes to the manifold. These are reversed. Don't know how long he was running it that way but the PO said it had no power when it was running last. So basically the advance/retard were reversed. That might have something to do with it.

It certainly isn't helping. Interestingly, the hose sizes are cut so they can't be switched so was probably like this a long time.

This also used to have an A/C unit which he cut out and threw away. Left all the mounting brackets and hoses hanging and didn't plug any of the holes. So I wonder if engine cooling was an issue.

[dave]

Yep,I looked at mine and yours seem to be reversed.

[MikeH]

Woo hoo! Got this sucker running. Runs like crap but it's running.

I think, not sure yet because I fiddled with quite a few things, that the problem was a crack in the air hose for the Auxiliary Air Module. It could also be an air leak around the cold start valve.

I was messing with both and made minor temporary repairs to both. AFter that it started.

Runs real rough and is pouring out black smoke. So I'll get the airhose replaced next and see if that smooths things out a bit.

[MadMike]

There's a reason why guys install Carbs on them ;D ;D ;D looks like it had AC at one time?? and do plug the shroud before u drive around ;)Madmike

[dave]

Hoses have to be near perfect in fuel injections to get them to run right,of course I'm still more comfortable with carbs.

[MikeH]

Aug 11, 2009 9:47:38 GMT -5 MadMike said:

There's a reason why guys install Carbs on them ;D ;D ;D looks like it had AC at one time?? and do plug the shroud before u drive around ;)Madmike

Yes it had AC. PO cut it out and threw it away because it was too much of a load on the engine. He left all the hose hanging so engine compartment is full of odd hose ends and gaping holes.

So I have more than the shroud to plug. I'm sure he was driving it this way for some time.

Anyone know where I can get replacement hoses? Couldn't find any online at the usual VW Parts suppliers so I'm hoping they sell in bulk from the local auto guys.

[MikeH]

Drove it around the block tonight. Put new hoses on it and clamped them down but that didn't improve the running rich issue. Runs real rough and won't idle.

Car smelled and felt real hot when I got back. So more work to be done.

[MikeH]

Well I'm moving backwards. I replaced the remainder of the air hoses and now the car won't start again. Very puzzling. The fuel mixture is definately not right. My plugs were totally fouled with carbon.

Replaced the ECU and that didn't make any difference. Unfortunately the FI sensors are not cheap so just replacing the lot isn't a good option. A new harness is $350 just by itself.

Starting to think a carb solution may be the cheaper solution in the long run though not sure thats a simple conversion.

[MikeH]

I drove over to Dave's last week to look at his 78 Vert to make sure my vacuum hoses were setup right. Thank you Dave.

His car is way nicer than mine. But then I didn't pay a lot for mine.

Turns out my vacuum lines were all screwed up so it was worth the trip over to his house. Sure wish I had a nice barn like he does.

He also started his up so I could hear what a fine running FI Super is supposed to sound like.

[MikeH]

Update: car is starting fairly consistently but an over rich fuel mixture continues to be a problem. After a lot of feedback from Samba I've narrowed my problem down to what I believe is a bad air flow meter.

I'm 90% sure based on my testing so far that this is the primary problem. Saw some used ones on Samba for 75 bucks.

[MikeH]

Dave pulled the AFM out of his car and drove it over tonight so I could test my car.

Installed it and the car started right up and purred sweet as can be. I am very happy.

Thanks Dave!

Now just have to locate a used/remanufactured one and dial it in.

[ghiastein]

Excellent you have found the issue. I have played with fuel injection for many years. Testing various components and it can be very tedious and frustrating. I always found it amazing that its just a simple electrical black box that malfunctions. The hard part is finding it, testing it and with foreign cars purchasing the correct part. Most people just give up and slap on a carburetor but in the long run a carb it way more fussy than a fuel injection system.

[MikeH]

Well since I don't yet have the engine parts I need, I decided to spend the day cleaning the bug. This thing was filthy. The white canvas and vinyl were so nasty and gross.

Soap and water just doesn't cut it on fabric and vinyl. No amount of elbow grease will lift that dirt out.

I found this awesome hand cleaner and started using it on my kitchen cupboards to lift off the grease and buildup that normal cleaners wouldn't get off. So I thought I would give it a try on the vinyl.

This stuff is freakin amazing. It's called Fast Orange. Smells great and transformed my top and seats. Using it was a bit involved because its kind of a paste that doesn't spread real well but if anyone is interested I can tell you how I applied it.

I should have take some before and after pictures. These are after shots. Pictures make it look better than it is but I'm still happy with the result.

[MikeH]

Took off the bumper rubber, its shot and hanging. Pulled the rear bumper to do some work on the brackets.

[Southpaw]

Mike I'm going to ask the Good Old Boy down the street for your part , just haven't got there yet .