Whenever an engine dies, the first thing any suitable mechanic will do is actually check the basics. I don't know how many times I've associated a dead engine with the last repair I did, only to find out the repair was fine, but something else acted up!
So first step would be charge the battery and start the bug. Put a voltage meter on the battery and observe the voltage while revving up the engine to about 2500-3000 rpm. Anything over 13 should be suitable and 14 would be a bit high. If you are undercharging, then chances are the bug is dying to due lack of voltage to power the spark. If it appears you are charging okay, then you need to verify if you have spark. Put a spark spark plug on the wire for either #2 or #4, and get someone to crank the bug over. It might start and run on 3 cylinders in which case, you will know you will have spark. Just knowing whether you have spark or not is helpful. Is it possible you have a weak fuel pump? For your battery to discharge to the point it won't run in such a short distance is really odd, unless you are starting with a weak battery anyway, and you're not charging. Did you ever put a meter on the battery terminals and read the voltage while it's running? NQ -- Visit the VintagVW archives at http://mail-archive.com/[email protected] --- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "VintagVW - Air Cooled Volkswagen Discussion List" group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to [email protected]. To post to this group, send email to [email protected]. Visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/vintagvw. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.
