Re: [T3] '70 squareback starting problem

[stans4@ix.netcom.com (Stan Schaefer)]

In addition to what some of the other posters have written, you might
want to do the full tune up thing.  Adjust valves, check compression,
check timing.  FI is not mysterious, you just need to approach it in a
systematic manner.  If you don't have one yet, you NEED the Bentley
manual, it's the only place where you can get the FI circuit diagrams.
If you want to see if the engine will at least kick over, try using a
propane torch sans torch head and use the propane for starting.  Just
be careful of backfires.  That's what I used to try out my basket-case
square when I first got it.  Yours sounds like it's in much better
condition than mine was, the PO had butchered the FI harness, had the
valve adjusters screwed down all the way and had 6 quarts of oil in
the crankcase.  Also had the distributor installed 90 degrees off.
Anything that had a screw head was messed up.  The guy claimed they
had pushed the thing halfway across town trying to get it to start(had
a big dent in the rear to prove it).  So I went through the engine
tuneup  and systematically checked every wire in the FI harness using
Bentley and Muir.  Time consuming but I had it running after a couple
of days.  If you have trouble, drop us another line.

On Sat, 07 Nov 1998 05:21:57 -0500, you wrote:

>Just bought my first VW two days ago, a 1970 type 3
>Squareback. The owner came down with Parkinson's about 7
>years ago (she's my next door neighbor, 82 years old) and
>hasn't drove it much in the last four years. Last time she
>tried to start it was 3 months ago and she had to have it
>towed cause it wouldn't start. The shop replaced some part
>of the fuel line (I'm not sure what section) and drove it
>back and parked it. Original owner, all the repair receipts,
>etc., the point being it was meticulously maintained (if I
>had the total for all the repair receipts she put into it
>I'd be wealthy [too]), so we can probably limit the problem
>to something stemming from lack of use.
>
>I've tried to start it but it won't fire (it turns over fine
>and I've checked the spark at the distributor and it's
>fine). Repair receipts indicate a pattern of fuel line hose
>and injector replacements in the last four years coinciding
>with the period in which the car hasn't been driven much.
>>From what I've gleaned from the newsgroups and FAQ's, not
>regularly driving these fuel injected engines can lead to
>problems. This is consistent with the before mentioned
>starting problem (turning over but not firing, i.e. a fuel
>problem).
>
>My guess is it's a problem with the fuel injection system
>stemming from not being run everyday. I want to do as much
>of the repair and maintenance myself as I can. My question
>is, does anyone know how to diagnose this particular problem
>and what can I do as far as testing various components of
>the fuel system to isolate the component(s) that may have
>been compromised by being parked for so long. Fuel pump?
>Fuel filter? Injectors? Please help!
>
>Thanks in advance,
>
>Michael in DC, newbie wannabe
>
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