[T3] Results of 2 Years of Carb Neglect

["John M. Kowalski" <john.kowalski@zg.tel.hr>]

Richard Visser, don't read this.  It is too painful.

Hey all,

I regret to say that I spent the latter half of this fine Columbus Day
holiday getting my '65 1500s Variant ready for it's technical inspection
due four months ago.  As stated stated in the subject line, I did
absolutely nothing to it for two years except religiously change oil and
adjust the valves every 5000km.  Today, I discovered some interesting
gremlins that I thought would help you all.

In checking the throttle lever adjustment ala Haynes, I discovered that the
two screws on the linkage adjust arm (left carb) had loosened themselves.
This allowed the throttle lever to slowly move out of specified adjustment
and therefore unbalanced from the right carb.  I also noticed that the
short pieces of hose connecting the vacuum balance tube between the two
carbs are letting air pass by.  This was so bad that I could change the
idle by moving the tube near the carb ends.  With all these discoveries, I
didn't even get to touch the bypass screws yet.  

There never is a good reason for neglect, but I do have a litany of
excuses.  First off, we moved to different country.  Second, we bought a
beetle cabrio and did a complete body off and engine rebuild while living
in a pedestrian zone (the beetle was in a rented 3m x 4m garage located 9km
from our apartment).  Third, we moved again in this new country to an
unfinished residence.  Fourth,...well, I don't have a fourth excuse, but we
were busy.  

No more!  I already fixed the front suspension and am getting ready to
check the brakes after I finish this monster tuneup.  (Oh yes, I did begin
this tuneup with a valve adjustment, timing check, and new points/condenser
combo.)

So, some things to check:

-- The Haynes way of checking throttle linkage (Does anyone know of a
better method?)

-- The hoses that connect the vacuum balance tube to the intake manifolds.

-- Of course, the fuel lines for cracks.

-- Make sure you have clamps on your fuel lines to avoid burning up your
newly tuned baby!

Take care,

John
Zagreb, Croatia

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