Club 80-90 Forums

Hello! New member here. I am the new owner of a 1.6l Aircooled petrol T25 caravan. At the moment it runs ok ish when warm after starting by towing, and restarts nicely once the engine is warm. But... there is no immediate response when the accelarator is applied, and seems like it wants to die. If you go easy on the accelarator it kind of works ok.

New coil, spark plugs, ht leads and distributor have been fitted.

Cold start function on carburettor is not working, and even with manual adjustment, it wont start cold.

I'm about to buy a new carb.. do you think it will help?

Can never say for sure, but sounds like itrs running awfully weak.. so should do.
You really need a 1600 Aircooled expert/owner to respond though.

When the engine turns over does it try to start (ie;splutter into life?
What is the manual adjustment you have made to the choke? Have
you actually fitted a manual choke to replace the original automatic choke? (If you have a manual choke ignore what's below)
Just one last question in two parts - a) Have you had a VW (or other vehicle) with an automatic choke before?
b) Are you pressing the accelerator to the floor & releasing it slowly to set the auto choke before turning the ignition key? Do this once or even twice for good measure. If you don't set the auto choke the engine will not start from cold.

VWsteffen's partner here. Not as well versed technically but I'll try my best...

Bowton Lad wrote:When the engine turns over does it try to start (ie;splutter into life?.

It didnt initially but last night I had it trying to start.

Bowton Lad wrote: What is the manual adjustment you have made to the choke? Have
you actually fitted a manual choke to replace the original automatic choke? (If you have a manual choke ignore what's below)
Just one last question in two parts - a) Have you had a VW (or other vehicle) with an automatic choke before?
b) Are you pressing the accelerator to the floor & releasing it slowly to set the auto choke before turning the ignition key? Do this once or even twice for good measure. If you don't set the auto choke the engine will not start from cold.

Its an auto choke. I do set it before turning ignition. However the flap doesnt close over completely???

Next , check that the linkages etc around the carburettor are clean & apply some WD40 - hopefully this will ensure that the choke mechanism
( lever operating on little stepped ratchet ) on side of carb is operating freely.
If possible when one person sets choke using accelerator pedal get other person to check operation of choke mechanism. If this doesn't work & you don't want to mess with the internal gubbins of the carb, then you will
to get a mechanic to fettle it - but choose your mechanic carefully.
Hope you get it sorted soon!

One other thing worth checking - has it got an air leak into the inlet mainfold or carb (say a split vacuum hose)? - this can cause a weak mixture and be the reason it dosen't rev when hot

dingleyhythe wrote:One other thing worth checking - has it got an air leak into the inlet mainfold or carb (say a split vacuum hose)? - this can cause a weak mixture and be the reason it dosen't rev when hot

Mrs Vw Steffen here again..

this appears to be the problem. Got it starting when cold last night. Its still running very weak though, new carb is still on the cards.

will keep ye updated.

Mine wont start from cold unless i pump the gas pedal 4-5 times then bobs ur uncle.