40 HP Refresh

[Six Volt]

Just getting ready to head on out to Bill's in the afternoon when Dale called me and said, "Bring that engine down here and let's get that long block done". Dale has been trying to teach me a few things about VW engines when he has a little slow time. I've learned a lot about the little things and I hope I retain what Dale taught me. Even when I think I know what I'm doing, it always helps to have an experienced veteran looking over you to make sure you get it close to right. I've actually learned a lot about VW water-cooled as well! I appreciate him taking up his time at slow periods, which he rarely has, to teach me.

Anyway, we got the pushrod tube issue squared away, so we were pretty much home free. We had a little issue adjusting the #3 exhaust valve, but swapping around some pushrods, turning the motor over and doing a little "precision adjustments" seemed to settle everything in. I'll get it "dressed up" tomorrow and HOPEFULLY have it running again in the near future.

Got the plugs in and I'm ready for the single port manifold.


The long block finally comes together. Still have to go through the distributor and fuel lines.


Sitting at home ready for tomorrow.

[WideFive]

...

[Six Volt]

Some mild NAPA form of aviation permatex. I'm addicted to that stuff. I put it on my cornflakes in the morning. Sounds like it may not really belong on all those bolts, but that's your headache when you buy the beetle from Mrs. G. when I'm gone!

[Howie]

I love what you are up to Sean! GO for it, man!

[Six Volt]

I love what you are up to Sean! GO for it, man!

You do realize that half the time I have no idea what I'm doing and the other half Dale is laughing at me saying "Wait, don't do that"?

[Howie]

"Wait, don't do that"?

I've heard THAT before!

[Six Volt]

Tough day. It seemed everytime I was getting ready to work on the 40, something came up. I got it almost "dressed up" by 5pm. Josh, bless him, showed shortly after 5pm to help me get the motor in. I have to admit, I was dragging after he got there from all the crap earlier in the day. Josh was "all in". The motor went in with some persuasion. I hate bug motor pulls/installs. I'd rather pull/install a pancake from a bay window. I would have NEVER gotten that thing back in without Josh.

We should have been home free, but it can't be like that can it? Of course, it wouldn't start! Josh was great. He went thorough every, and I mean every, troubleshooting procedure. No spark at the plugs. Seems like the 009 had a bad condenser. The backup SVDA had a bad carbon tip on the cap. Caps weren't interchangeable. Nor were condensers. Bummer all the way around. I must have at least 5 distributors that will fit this thing, but I'm missing a good condenser or cap or points for any of the combinations. I usually have plenty of backup points, rotors, condensers & caps, but not this time.

Josh offered to bring over his backup, but I have a backup mechanical advance ready to go in, I've just got to remember where I put it.

Anyway, tomorrow is another day. At least it turns over!

[Howie]

Of course, it wouldn't start!

That give me a lot of confidence in wanting to pull MY engine now!

[Ken]

Of course, it wouldn't start!

That give me a lot of confidence in wanting to pull MY engine now!

It's all part of the experience.

[Six Volt]

Still at it. Still no spark. I found a condenser that looked like it might work on the 009. I hacked off the mounting bracket and used the bracket on the original 009. Checked the coil to make sure we have hot wire going to +15 and -1 going down to the condenser. Checks OK. We have juice to +15, but still won't start. Have to check see if this "replacement" condenser is working. Guess not. Seems like it has to be points, rotor, condenser or cap. Tried two different 6V coils. Same result both times. Cranks over like 20 volts, plenty of fuel and I'm not blocking the air! Oh well, sun is out and my bus is running!