73 bug sick please help

[stonebrew]

Need some help or suggestions fast. 73 bug(non super beetle) has been stalling lately. I really started noticing it after driving at a high rate of Speed for an extended period of time. It doesn't stall while driving, but while pulling off of the high way on an exit ramp. I start to slow down taking my foot off the gas and it stalls as I slow down. I have to press on the gas while on the clutch to keep my idle up and that sometime keeps it from stalling. It also occasionally now has started stalling, especially in the morning while slowing down after driving on a regular street. Doesn't do this during the day, just when the engine is cold in the morning time. If I drive it during the warm daytime, it never seems to stall unless I am driving the freeway as described above. My idle seems a little low since I sometimes have to ease down on the gas to get my bug to respond but not sure if that may be the problem or if it could be timing or something else. I am new to my bug so not to up on everything that I could do to fix my problem or even where to start looking. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Plus any help with websites or manuals to help me sovle my problem would also be greatly appreciated. Especially since I have no idea what to do to fix my bug. Thanks in advance for any help.

[BoatCop]

Sounds like tune-up time.

Contrary to many people's belief, these cars must be meticulously maintained to keep in top running shape.

Here's a list of "to dos" (in order)

1. Pickup a HAYNES manual for the Bug. They are available at Auto Zone or most other auto parts stores. The Beetle-Ghia edition is the one you need. All the tune-up and adjusting instructions are in there.

2. Valve adjustment (must be done with engine dead cold)
3. Check/replace plugs, points, wires, cap, rotor, condenser.
4. Set timing
5. Adjust carb

I must note that the year of the vehicle has nothing whatsoever to do with timing settings or tune-up parts. It is all based on what model of distributor you have. There are a set of numbers on the side of the distributor body that will be something like 113-905-205AN. That particular number is for the stock 1973 VW distributor. But there's no guarantee that the distributor is the one that came with the car, or even the engine for that matter. Engines and distributors were changed out a lot on old VWs.

Let me know the distributor number, and I can get you the tune-up parts numbers and timing settings. DO NOT just ask the guy behind the counter at the Auto Zone or Pep-Boys. As far as these cars go, they (and their computers) don't know squat about these old cars.

[BoatCop]

I just read your profile and saw that you're in Phoenix.

Go over to Karl's Custom at 4200 E. Indian School or BAP Import Parts. BAP has half a dozen or so locations in Phoenix. Find the one that's closest.

Either one will be more than happy to help, and will have everything you need.

[stonebrew]

Thanks alot for the great info. I will be looking into Karl's Custom for sure. The only other place that I new of that worked on Older VW's was German Autotec in Mesa.

I will also grab a manual as I really want to learn to work on my bug myself, especially the small problems that may pop up here and there.

Thanks again!

[5gcivic]

I just picked up my bug from karls today. They did a really great job and got it done fast. You will have to call them and set up a time and day to take your car in though. Good luck

[5gcivic]

They also have a shop on Broadway & Mesa in mesa.

[dtschet]

Hello!

My car goes into gear great until I turn the key to start it, then it will not shift.

Is this a fuse? Am I doomed?

This car is an autostick - is there something I need to check?

Just got back from the garage where a new battery was installed. Could this be related?

Help!

Thanks.

donna

[cargo0222]

I`m Having The Same Trouble,i Would Check The Fuel Pump,i Myself Am Putting In A Electronic Fuel Pump To Take Its Place,
Good Luck.

[dtschet]

My mechanic took a look at it and decided it was a stuck valve and used a wire to override the problem. The car shifts fine now!

Thanks for your note.
D.