1972 Volkswagen Beetle: Why Rosebug failed to start

[@stevemarch5463]

I have had several bugs throughout my lifetime. Growing up, my family took trips out west in bugs. All the little quirks of these cars are like life experiences. Driving a VW aircooled will give you absolute self confidence, if you are willing to learn and fix the problem yourself. From John Muir to Bentley to all the you tubers. One of my bugs was an auto-stick, for me that brought about 60% of the enjoyment of driving a bug. I had it changed to a manual and out came the 100% air cooled experiences. I have been driving a 74 super beetle for the past 6 years again and continue to enjoy the ride, most of the time! These old cars are not for someone without patience and the ability to stop, breathe, learn, and fix. Enjoy the ride and keep a lookout for a 4-speed. Came across your video on a coffee, Sunday morning.

[@CruisingInClassics]

@stevemarch5463 Thanks so much for your comment and sharing your experience with us. You're so right about investing the time, patience, and a willingness to learn and be humble around these amazing classics. We're up for the challenge and the rewards that come from ownership and the fun of the open road. Hope you'll keep watching and most importantly #KeepDriving !

[@robert224]

Very good knowledge you presented. I have a 73 Beetle. I will definitely remember this video.

[@jakebob5101]

We have a '66 and '62 Beetle. The '62 is a restoration project and the '66 is our cruiser. Nothing better than simplicity. Nice '72 you have there. Not the mpg that matters but the smiles per mile.

[@CruisingInClassics]

Thanks for watching. Great to hear about your two Beetles! You're so right about the Smiles Per Gallon. Rosebug is showing us how to enjoy life in the Slow Lane.

[@noelamick2015]

I'm watching the video of it just spinning over so easily. The first thing I thought was you ran it hot. Ruined the rings. Good thing it was just a valve adjustment. Good thing you had a good and honest mechanic. I had a 1969 autostick. Loved it. Yours is beautiful. I now have a 71 fastback with an automatic. And a 1974 superbeetle . Stick. Wish it was an autostick. Wonderful video. Brave couple driving a new to you bug so far.👍👍

[@CruisingInClassics]

Thanks for watching! The lack of compression was definitely scary. Rosebug is running well now and we look forward to more fun and Smiles Per Gallon. Great to hear about your cars. #KeepDriving !

[@PhotoAlbert]

That's terrific news! I'm glad it was a major issue. You're lucky to have an air cooled engine expert nearby. I wish I could find one of those too!

[@danring505]

Glad it’s running again. Thanks for the update. I’m sure once the engine is all checked out it will cruise like a dream 👏🏻👏🏻✌🏻

[@CruisingInClassics]

Thanks Dan! Keep tuning in to see how things pan out.

[@carolgoforth3697]

Great video! And the first one also. Very educational and entertaining. I have a 73 Super Beetle Convertible with Autostick. I'm 72 years old and just bought it this past February. It's a lot of fun and always needs attention of course. So far I've managed to perform all the maintenance requirements myself but I don't do anything heavy or extreme. But the Bug is in decent shape. Even the floorpans are original but in decent condition. Best wishes from the western suburbs of Chicago!

[@CruisingInClassics]

Thanks for watching Carol. Glad you enjoyed. There's no time like the present to jump in with both feet and enjoy a classic! And you and your '73 are proof! Keep driving that AutoStick!

[@jennysolomon-haase9103]

I love my Lil Rosebug. 69 patina red. I love love love her. 16 yrs. Lots of quirks that make her special. Oregon (Eugene) is VW country.

[@CruisingInClassics]

Thanks for your comment. Love knowing there's another Red Bug out there... and in Oregon too!

[@jennysolomon-haase9103]

And she now lives in Oak Grove!

[@roberttaylor7732]

It was killing me to find out what happened! Glad you got it resolved, beautiful Beetle.

[@ronblack9092]

When I had Bugs in the 70's it was change the oil every 3,000 miles and adjust the valves every 6,000 miles. Old German guy used to work on my bugs in Brea, CA. Das Fix'm Haus was the name of his shop.

[@CruisingInClassics]

Love the name of that German Repair Shop! Great maintenance schedule as well. Thanks for watching our videos!

[@brianandrews7099]

I would cut that oil change interval in half! Your VW engine only has oil and air to cool it, so that oil is going to be subjected to heat extremes far greater than a water cooled engine would. Change the oil every 1500-1800 miles and adjust the valves at every other oil change is advisable. Also, don’t forget to remove and clean the oil strainer at every oil change. You hear about the damages caused to engines because of lack of oil changes all the time. When as the last time you heard of engine damage due to changing the oil too soon or doing maintenance too often? Also, VW starters suffer from hot start failures commonly. A new switch might help, but often the relay on the starter itself overheat due to engine heat and no airflow over the starter. You can add a secondary “hot start relay” to overcome this issue; should it continue. You can search the internet for more info; a lot of it is out there. It sort of seems like the previous owner was not knowledgeable about air cooled VW maintenance or was just more interested in selling the car than maintaining it. VW engines will only give top performance and last if well maintained.

[@ronblack9092]

@@brianandrews7099 Brian, I'm in total agreement with you. My post was change the oil every 3,000 miles and adjust the valves every 6,000. When the valves got adjusted the oil got changed too. Change oil every 3,000 miles.

[@brettbanta2100]

​@@brianandrews7099I would also definitely use a good full synthetic oil, not the cheap stuff. It definitely makes a difference, especially when the oil is subjected to high heat

[@scitzs3956]

Great Video!

[@CruisingInClassics]

Thanks for watching!

[@ollie1464]

I have the exact same car. Needs to go to the shop and get checked out. Have not watched the whole video hope you made it home or to your destination. I Noticed it's an automatic stick. Cool is. Cool.

[@CruisingInClassics]

Make sure and watch the whole video when you get the chance. Plus there's a follow-on episode that details what fixes were put in place.

[@ollie1464]

Yes. Finally watched both videos. Stay safe and have fun.

[@jwillautoblog]

Very helpful video! Thank you for sharing this all with us!

[@ollie1464]

1st thing I was told when I got my 1st Volkswagen Val adjustment every time you change the oil or at least checked.

[@dennisyoung4631]

They can be touchy that way. Our first one (1971) had issues that way.

[@mariohugo82]

Great video , you got yourself a follower. I can’t wait to take my 1970 yo the open road.

[@CruisingInClassics]

Thanks so much for watching and subscribing! Glad to hear you'll be taking your '70 out on the open road soon! Keep Driving!

[@gutshotgriz3936]

My first car in 1975 was a ‘72 bug. I was 17, and I learned quickly…Change the oil and adjust the valves. Got to where I could do both on a Saturday morning in about an hour. Got 100k out of the car before I dropped a valve on #3. Rebuilt is myself using John Muir’s book…got another 100k out of it and did it all over again. Drove it 10 years and 300k and sold it for what I paid for it back in 1975. Best car I’ve ever own. I’m 67 now and have a California ‘72 identicle to my first one sitting in the garage as we speak…3 years into a top to bottom restoration. Don’t let anyone ever tell you you can’t go back!

[@georgyherlambang2078]

We also oqn 1970 betlle ...own by great grandfather ...i'm 60 yo ...now my son drive beatlle every day at city jakarta indonesia ...every sunday my son drive to weekender air cool club at jakarta ...saluuuut to you both with the rosebug

[@CruisingInClassics]

Terima kasih! I love Jakarta! I used to live in Singapore and would travel to Indonesia often. Great to hear about your '70 Beetle. Keep Driving!!!

[@waynehendricks8187]

Really nice looking forward Beetle. Thanks for the memories of the two VW's I had about 50 years ago. Yes, the valves need to be adjusted just right. I remember one cylinder (left front) ran hotter than the other three thus making it difficult to change the spark plug. It seems like they required a lot of tinkering with but things were simple. I like the sound of the engine .

[@CruisingInClassics]

@@waynehendricks8187 Thanks for watching and your words of encouragement. A little tinkering is part of the learning and fun with these cars. #KeepDriving

[@jamesquintana9137]

I have a '69 Autostick Bug I drive daily. Love them!

[@CruisingInClassics]

Thanks for the comment James. Autosticks aren't too common but together, we'll keep them alive! Love to hear that you Daily yours.

[@stephenascherl4190]

I have a 1972 standard beetle too, also in Kasan red; have 137,000 miles on the original engine (third rebuild!).

[@CruisingInClassics]

Thanks for watching and your comment. Love hearing about your Kasan Red '72. #KeepDriving !

[@tapper701]

Rear bumper guards need to be switched to other side of Beetle. Will then be straight like the front bumper guards, not angled. Nice 1972 standard Beetle AutoShift ... Slainte' ! Cheers !

[@ruskiryan2398]

Great video and welcome to the VW fraternity, now go out and enjoy your Bug and make more videos.

[@lawrenceirvine8759]

With regard your ignition switch you only have to replace the bottom half, the plastic part, which is the electrical component. They are available through many sources.

[@VenerableYorge]

G R E A T ! ! ! 💯👍😀

[@CruisingInClassics]

Make sure and Subscribe so you can see our new videos!

[@jasonschuster]

Hey I know exactly where that mechanic is! Right next to my favorite breakfast spot :)

[@CruisingInClassics]

You nailed it Jason! Maybe we'll see you sometime at Tom's Pancake House! 🙂

[@terencevictoria8933]

I remember my dad has different setting on different drive conditions and cleans the carb annually. But never saw him have as much trouble as your rose is putting you thru.its a mechanics car and she's lucky you're patient and understand the concept of an internal combustion engine.you will get this right eventually.and you have to get some thread lock once you her dialed in.as you can see this engine produces a lot of vibration and that can throw your settings out in a different spot.its like chasing a gremlin .and if you had enough of it .I'd gladly take her .I'd trade my infinity fx coz I couldnt tow it with my classic RV and rose would fit in nicely for what I'm trying to accomplish in life.shes actually the best candidate for it hands down.

[@donaldscott3921]

First thing you look at with those VW air-cooled engines is the valves. That was my diagnosis from the get-go. Sure glad I went to Toyotas. Great adventure, though!

[@ralphbernard3908]

Glad to hear that Rosebug is back on the road of life! (o\ I /o)

[@CruisingInClassics]

She gave us a fright but we learned a lot and are back to creating more smiles per gallon!

[@corrosionoc69]

Ignition switch issue is fairly common...I had a push button hid under the back seat near the battery just in case

[@doctorvoiceover6582]

Indeed, valve adjustment critical to timing and cooling. I do .006 all the way around and check it regularly. Max advance to 28 degrees. What distributor/carburetor combination is on Rosebug?

[@CruisingInClassics]

Rosebug runs a 34 Pict 3 Carb with a 009 Distributor. We look to role model your close attention to checking valve clearances.

[@JoseOmar.]

That Slow sticker is 🔥🔥🔥

[@barackmycat9448]

That`s good stuff. I am scribed........

[@CruisingInClassics]

Thanks so much for subscribing!

[@barackmycat9448]

@@CruisingInClassics I love bugs but have not had one for 20 yrs. Haaaa

[@delukxy]

Cheap replacement ignition switches can be flaky. You can bypass the spring loaded second, starting, position and add a push button start switch. That is much more reliable. Your radio is being rocked up and down by the wiper mechanism. I expect you already know that. A small spacer between the radio and the dash might fix it but it might mean a shorter radio is needed.

[@Mikefngarage]

NOOOOO you need to retorque the heads. the valves came out of adjustment because the engine ran too hot. The heads are just starting to get loose. You need to remove the rocker shafts and retorque the 4 bolts behind them. Not remove the engine. just those 4 on each side. PLUSSSSS.......You need to re-jet the carb,,,,,Check the intake boots and make sure they are not cracked or leaking. It is running too lean not too rich that is why it overheated. If you dont repair this it will continue to have problems and eventually the engine will be toast if it isnt already from running so hot. FYI main jet should be somewhere around 130.....I am not sure the idles. probably legit 55 on each. You need to use a jet resizing tool to check them properly many times people drill them.

[@CruisingInClassics]

Thanks Mike. You are correct about the causes. We're going to be diving into a re-build this winter and would love to get your thoughts on internals that you like and sources you trust.

[@haskyb9184]

Mike to the rescue as usual 😉

[@JamesB-l5o]

Very savvy reply by Mike! Gets right to the source of the issue!

[@craig162]

I can't believe you are driving an Auto-Stick. I haven't seen or worked on one in 40 years.

[@CruisingInClassics]

So detested and despised back in the day, that most were swapped out for Manuals. But because of that, they are now rare and rarely seen in the wild anymore. It's certainly quirky and we love the conversations, and confusion, that ensues when people don't see a Clutch Pedal even though there's a Gear Lever! 🙂 Thanks so much for watching and your comment!

[@eggy1962]

Should watch some Mustie1 videos, the VW whisperer

[@patrickmclaughlin6013]

Cool bug. See ya on The Samba.

[@CruisingInClassics]

Thanks for tuning in. We'll definitely see you there!

[@riverbluevert7814]

You're fortunate to not have significant engine damage after advancing the distributor and leaning out the carburetor in the previous video. It's a beautiful car, good to see it's ok. Going forward you must keep in mind this is an air cooled engine and it will not survive random fiddling around of these settings like a water cooled engine. (its very dangerous with a water cooled engine too) Have you or your mechanic set the ignition advance with a timing light? Have you or your mechanic measured the air-fuel ratio with an O2 sensor in the exhaust pipe?

[@davidwhocares3293]

Right on ! it wasn't TOO serious ! Did you have the pro set your timing and carb too ? If so, would should be able to cruise all the way home and then some without a problem

[@CruisingInClassics]

Yep, we've got the carb settings and timing dialed in now in addition to the valves adjusted and Rosebug is running very strong.

[@ivanarnaldomendez]

Love that she is fine again Interested in selling her? Huge hugs from Santo Domingo

[@CruisingInClassics]

No plans on selling. We're still getting to know each other. Thanks for tuning in. #keepdriving !

[@lawrencerasmus]

Cylinder studs pull out of them so it's important to make sure the heads are torqued down and no studs are stripped .

[@pavloschatziergatis9464]

Dear owner of the VW(rose bug)!Your VW needs a little more rpm because the engine works Very low as l can hear maybe 700-800/min,the engine is type AD 1600c.c,or AS 1600c.c?The position of distributor is perfect!as I see.The adjustment of the valves in my opinion has to be in what regards the third cylinder a little more opened because the engine is overheating (air cooled).The beetle is one of the most successful cars but when I'm driving it(our VW 1303 with AS 1600c.c)I keep firmly the velocity (speed)no more than 90-100km/h, especially the summer in Greece -Athens,we have hot days and traffic.

[@jec1ny]

Fun cars to drive, but they aren't low maintenance. I've had a few people ask me about getting a classic bug and I always tell them that you need two things, patience and at least a basic level of mechanical aptitude.

[@CruisingInClassics]

@@jec1ny Thanks for your comment. You're right that they are fun to drive. They do require someone who is willing to learn some basic mechanical operations. Maintenance is pretty straightforward and there are great resources, both online and VW Groups, where you can learn as you go. It's all part of the fun!

[@bobjohnsdadsband3343]

dont feather the gas on a hot start. hold the pedal to the floor while starting see if that works

[@kanojoe1968]

You need to buy a HAYNES MANUAL...

[@gdholmfirth]

I had a Volvo like the yellow one in the gargar, except mine was turquoise. Put 250 k miles on it and like a fool sold it.

[@rayklein7486]

You need to learn how to this yourself (Valve adjustments, oil changes etc.).

[@jasonrowe6200]

Engine bad

[@bigblueskybehindtheclouds1874]

Belt looks like it wants to go for a ride