Bizarre non starting fault - on a Beetle

tparker · Post by **tparker** » Mon Oct 10, 2005 12:41 pm

Dear all

I am hoping that there are a number of ex Beetle/current beetle boys on the site, who can help.

Have a strange intermittent starting fault which is driivng me mad!

Car is a 6 volt beetle of 65 vintage

Fault is:

Sometimes the car will start on one turn of the key - obviously no problem.
Other times the car will crank over on the starter but not fire - unless a little fuel is added in the carb directly
Other times you can turn the key in the ignition and nothing happens, almost like the battery is dead, again sometimes when you turn the key, the horn sounds!

Any of the above can happen on a random basis.

I have changed the starter motor - this was sluggish but I couldn't really connect the two apart from possibly a dodgy solenoid. I have also replaced the battery earth lead.

I am thinking possibly ignition switch, fusebox and positive lead from the battery?

Anybody got any ideas?

Thanks,

Tony

Nige · Post by **Nige** » Mon Oct 10, 2005 12:57 pm

strange!?

The fueling issue can't really be electrical? as the fuel pump is mechanical, unless the auto choke isn't working or the anti run on valve is abit dodge.

It sounds like you have a electrical issue around the ignition switch for the horn to sound, is it steering column mounted or on the dash?

Electrics aren't my favourite really

davidppp · Post by **davidppp** » Mon Oct 10, 2005 2:17 pm

Hello there.

Does the carb have the solenoid cut off valve?

Often fails..

Kind regards
David

kevster · Post by **kevster** » Mon Oct 10, 2005 9:57 pm

Sounds like a dodgy ignition switch to me - cheap to replace.

I would also check any other earth points/staps - cant remember where but I think there's one on the gearbox to body - make sure they are clean and tight - not rusty etc.