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Bug won't start
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Calibugboy
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PostPosted: Fri Jul 29, 2016 4:07 pm    Post subject: Bug won't start Reply with quote

So my car will crank and crank and if I hold down the accelerator with the key turned all the way so the starter runs it seems like the car starts running but the second I take pressure off the key the engine dies, regardless of what I do with the accelerator. I don't think it's a spark problem my guess now is maybe fuel but I am unsure how to approach it. Any ideas as to the problem?
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OLD VW NUT
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PostPosted: Fri Jul 29, 2016 4:14 pm    Post subject: Re: Bug won't start Reply with quote

Sounds like it might be a timing issue. Check your distributor to see if the locking bracket is holding. If a distributor turns on its own it'll be way too retarded to start - it'll try to start but will have nearly zero power - often not enough to run on its own.
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Calibugboy
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PostPosted: Fri Jul 29, 2016 4:17 pm    Post subject: Re: Bug won't start Reply with quote

OLD VW NUT wrote:
Sounds like it might be a timing issue. Check your distributor to see if the locking bracket is holding. If a distributor turns on its own it'll be way too retarded to start - it'll try to start but will have nearly zero power - often not enough to run on its own.


The problem is I just had the timing checked by a mechanic. I don't think it could have messed itself up in such a short amount of time
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OLD VW NUT
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PostPosted: Fri Jul 29, 2016 4:26 pm    Post subject: Re: Bug won't start Reply with quote

All the more reason to check it. No mechanic is infallible. It was the last thing that was worked on right? I always start my troubleshooting where I last worked things over. Check that the points are opening too - this symptom you have also indicates closed points which won't allow the coil to build the field necessary to make spark.

This could be an ignition switch problem too. You can check that very easily by running a long wire from the battery hot side to the hot side of the coil - your ignition will be on as soon as you make the connection - crank the engine - if it starts easily and runs once you return the key to the run position you're likely looking at a bad ignition switch. As long as your ignition key is in good shape just get the switch - the key/tumbler assembly comes off easily once the steering wheel is removed.

You might want to post the year of your car - motor - carb - dist etc in order to get a good idea of what you're dealing with.
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Last edited by OLD VW NUT on Fri Jul 29, 2016 4:30 pm; edited 1 time in total
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Calibugboy
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PostPosted: Fri Jul 29, 2016 4:30 pm    Post subject: Re: Bug won't start Reply with quote

OLD VW NUT wrote:
All the more reason to check it. No mechanic is infallible. It was the last thing that was worked on right? I always start my troubleshooting where I last worked things over. Check that the points are opening too - this symptom you have also indicates closed points which won't allow the coil to build the field necessary to make spark.

You might want to post the year of your car - motor - carb - dist etc in order to get a good idea of what you're dealing with.


My car is a 1974 beetle with a 1600cc engine. Carb is a 34 I believe
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OLD VW NUT
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PostPosted: Fri Jul 29, 2016 4:31 pm    Post subject: Re: Bug won't start Reply with quote

I added info to my second post regarding the ignition switch.
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Cusser
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PostPosted: Fri Jul 29, 2016 4:34 pm    Post subject: Re: Bug won't start Reply with quote

Calibugboy wrote:
it seems like the car starts running but the second I take pressure off the key the engine dies, regardless of what I do with the accelerator.


Classic symptoms of faulty electrical portion of the ignition switch. Note that there is nothing wrong with the key/tumbler cylinder.
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PostPosted: Fri Jul 29, 2016 4:37 pm    Post subject: Re: Bug won't start Reply with quote

Bad Bad bug boy, no double posts about the same thing...Did you think you would get a different set of answers?

Don't feel too terrible, I have done it too... Brick wall
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gt1953
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PostPosted: Fri Jul 29, 2016 4:59 pm    Post subject: Re: Bug won't start Reply with quote

What I would do is to hot wire it. See if it starts. You may have to disassemble the switch. I suspect the rear of the switch has pushed back in its housing. Yes it has happened, so tighten up the switch bet it works.
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PostPosted: Fri Jul 29, 2016 10:27 pm    Post subject: Re: Bug won't start Reply with quote

Locking as you already had a thread started yesterday:
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=660224

Pleae use that one.
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