The road to getting my lil pig up and running!

Hiya all, as some of you may be aware, Im starting to get my dorment lil pig back up and running after 1.5 years of being sat still. I call her my lil big as her nose is currently in the ground all the time

This is starting as more of a log, than a resto journel, however after assessment from this weekend just passed, It might turn into a full blown one

My initial goal, is to get her started and running then later on replace the rusted parts (front and rear valence, left side running board as its completley rotten and due to the spread of rust, more than likely the rear left side wheel arch).

So yesterday was the first day of trial:

Stuck a new battery in her, turned the key AND....................................



Not a sausage, lol!

This is where the fun begin's and I hope I can get some advice here.

Firstly, when I turn the key, the oil light comes on. The fuel gauge rises and some of the electrics work, this being the front beams, stereo, windscreen wipers. Nothing else does though.

Now I pumped the accelator and although was sticky to begin with, soon became responsive again so I believe there is fuel available. My first though it probably not all the sparkplugs are firing......would this be a good assumption? I intend to replace them, but as I've never worked properly on an VW engine before I was confronted with my first problem.

Just how does one budding VW enthusiast go about getting the buggers out? If I didnt know better I would swear they built these engines to frustrate. I have a Haines manual but its all grubby pictures and obscure pointing arrows.

Can anyone chuck me some pointers and if I may be correct in regards to the engine not starting?

Does the engine turn over?

If not it could be the starter or the ignition. If it turns but doesn't fire I would check the spark plugs, HT leads, Points and condensor etc (probably worth replacing anyway). I would also add a bit of fresh petrol (or drain the old poo out first). But please note I dont really have much of an idea when it comes to these kind of things thats why I have Carl and Rich to help me!!!!!
xxx

Hi Big Blue!

Nah she doesnt even turn over, not a note.

Cheers for the suggestions. I'll google away and see if I can find how to replace or more ideally rebuild.

Might want to check all the fuses are good, and their contacts are clean, then check to see if the starter is getting power, and the solenoid is working ok, try turning the engine by hand just to check its free moving, as suggested clean/replace the plugs, points, and put some new fuel in, also remove the air filter to see if the carb is actually pumping fuel when you open the throttle.

Any joy after doing all that??

also check all the connections on the regulator under the back seat on the passenger side

Beetle engines are really simple things so dont panic, as has been said:

Turn the engine over by hand on the lower pulley & check it aint seized
Check all the connections to the coil/dizzy
Pop in a new set of points, a condensor
Fit a new dizzy cap & rotor arm (all these bits aint dear)

change the leads on the cap 1 at a time from old to new so you dont get the firing order messed up.

If your in doubt about the fuel pump/fuel line then take off the airfilter, undo the 5 screws holding the top of the carb body on (solex?), gently pull the top off, at the back is the float chamber........top this about half full of fresh fuel, put the top back on the carb (making sure the gasket is lined up.

This should give you enough fresh fuel to start the car & for it to keep running if it will for 30 seconds-1minute.

If it does start, keep your eye on the oil light....if it dont go out in a reasonable space of time...SHUT DOWN THE ENGINE!

My beetle had been stood for 4yrs & virtually nothing worked, after doing the above & checking all the connections it fired up pretty easily.

Once you have had it running a couple of times (short periods only!) & it'l start easily.....drain the old oil cos it'l be thick & nasty from being stood & running the motor on old oil will do it no favours.

Hope above doesnt sound condescending.

Not at all Impy!

All top quality suggestions! Will definatley go over those.

Luckily had a good pay out at work, so looking to splash some moolaa on the girl once she's driveable.