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> My 1970 Fastback has quickly developed a chronic problem with the FI. > The car was difficult getting started so I decided to take it into my > local mechanic. He was unable to figure it out. Might not even be the fault of FI. Keep in mind the possibility of problem with ignition.. > Up until recently, the car would start but would sound like it was > "sputtering" under load or at high RPMs. The mechanic replaced the > vacuum advance with a used one that he claimed was working. The > plugs were replaced, valves were adjusted and the timing was perfect. Again, think ignition. Loose connections on coil? Distributor cap bad? Spark plug wires too resistive? Loose distributor shaft? Not sure why mechanic messed with vacuum advance. Old one was probably good. Very easy to test (just suck on hose and see if holds vacuum). > When the car last started (it's dead now), the engine would stall if > the car came under to0 heavy of a load (ie. I would give the engine > too much gas). I was driving in the city, no hills, to avoid a > stall. When the car did stall, I had a heck of a time getting it > started and had to play with the accelerator, got it started when I > had it fully depressed. What's your mileage? Having to start with wide open throttle might mean running very rich. Check hose between intake manifold and pressure sensor. > The mechanic I took it to for a second opinion wants to do a carb > conversion. I'm not convinced this is the best alternative. I've > taken matters into my own hands and have been reading up in my > Bently. I'm also armed with my volt meter from Radio Shack. You're off to a good start. My opinion: Stay away from carb conversion. I really like the FI on my '69. Some will snicker, but I like the FI diagnostic routines in the Muir "VW Idiot" manual. But again, I think you should rule out other causes, including a good, hard look at the ignition and other regular tune-up items. If it does come to a problem with the FI, it might be a loose or intermittent electrical connection or faulty ground. The components themselves are probably good.. -Mark Fuhriman '69 Fastback ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ List info at http://www.vwtype3.org/list | mailto:gregm@vwtype3.org