Thanks for the replies It's pretty well serviced with new plugs leads etc. I'm pretty sure the valve clearances are spot on too, I'll check the vac pipes tomorrow hopefully. I can static time my beetle but the bus appears a bit more involved. I believe you need a few more devices to tune the bus?
A worn out distributor or no spring under the distributor can cause enough timig bounce to make the engine run on three then four then three cylinders. Also make sure the distributor is not sitting on top of a bent clamp where the clamp has been overtightened.
Dizzy seems all okay, vacuum pipe is okay and pulls the distributor linkage well. Having said the bus idles well, today was a different matter. I actually let it sit and idle for some time, very lumpy and when you hit the gas this feels lumpy until you put more down and then it evens out. When you hit the gas and let off immediately the engine stumbles considerably. Strong smell of fuel and black smoke suggesting it's very rich, in fact my t shirt now stinks of petrol because I was stood near the back of the engine. I'm guessing my problems are tuning related? Anyone know a decent tuner in kent area?
Sounds like it needs a small adjustment on the idle mixture screw, the one below the big jobby on the left side of the carb. Tony
Is it firing on all 4? - Try disconnecting/reconnecting each HT lead in turn at idle. If there's one which makes no difference, chances are it's not firing. Could be bad spark plug?
Pulled the leads one at a time, all made a difference so am guessing its a tune up that's needed. I would happily fiddle with my beetles type 1 engine and carb but not so sure on the type 4 dual carbs. Guess I'll pay someone to tune it up, unfortunately not many old school tuners near me. Anyone know any in kent?
I was helpfully told to look towards my accelerator pump. First thing I did was take the carbs off placing them side by side and looked at the accelerator jet as I worked the throttle. . The problem was immediately obvious. My left carbs accelerator jet was pointing in a bizarre direction, to the left of the carb. The fuel would hit the top side of the throat, swish around and eventually disappear. I redirected the jet down the throat. I now have excellent throttle response, no chugging and no dying after blipping the throttle. I'm very happy. Thanks all for your help. I will still put the new dashpot on as it's supposed to smooth out on the gear change. I've learned a lot and am confident at setting the solex dual carbs up.
