VW Valve Adjustment | Volkswagen Tips by Bruce

[@VWBRUCE]

Sta-Lube Moly Graph grease has never failed me! Get your hands on some via my Amazon Link ... amzn.to/2w4GUC8

[@georgeholz6449]

As an old Beetle dude myself, I picked up this shortcut MANY years ago. In #1 position, you can set the front 3 valves on the passenger side and the rearmost valve on the drivers side. Then turn crank one revolution to #3 position and set the remaining valves. Saves this old guy a couple of up and downs from the floor.

[@VWBRUCE]

Great info, George! Thanks! Bruce will give that method a try!

[@jasonmiller7975]

Hi Bruce, just used your video to adjust my valves for the first time on my 1971 bus. Did it with my 82 year old father in law who owned 2 old split busses in the 1960’s and did his own maintenance on them including engine rebuild. Brought back a lot of memories for him. Thank you so much for your knowledge....going to change oil and set timing tomorrow. I’ll check your oil change video out in the morning before we get started! Again, thank you from the redwoods of Santa Cruz county! Best regards, Jason

[@VWBRUCE]

Hi Jason! Glad to be of service! That is so cool to tinker with your Father-in-law!! Best to you & yours!!

[@dylank5691]

Finally some one I can follow and understand when teaching how to adjust valves. Thank you very much for your video.

[@VWBRUCE]

Glad to be of service! Happy Fahrvergnügen!

[@jamescalifornia2964]

Yes I agree. Good instructions 👌

[@carolgoforth3697]

Very nice video Sir Bruce. I just bought a 73 Super Convert Autostick six months ago and I'm having lots of fun working on it. It's a great hobby. I'm 71 years old and thanks to people like you on KZbin I can do a lot of the work myself.

[@VWBRUCE]

Hi Carol. Thank you for your kind words & bless you for tinkering on your topless '73 autostick. Autosticks are a rare bug, first introduced on the '68 models. If you can get your hands on a copy of Robert Bentley's Official Service Manual, there is a section completely explaining the function & repair of the Autostick transmission. You typify the kind of VW people I hope my videos help! Happy Fahrvergnugen!! - VW Bruce

[@AnthonyLarson.3]

Okay you are savior!!! Not only did you show step by step how to get this done, you teach about each tool and gizmo. I very educated now. Thank you

[@VWBRUCE]

Hi Anthony. Glad to be of service & I am happy the video helped you to do your own tinkering! Happy Fahrvergnugen!

[@dr.t.]

Your mechanical experience and knowledge is invaluable for us aircooled newbies, great vids and great channel 👏👏😎

[@VWBRUCE]

dr.t, thank you for your kind words of encouragement. They mean a lot to this ol wrencher‼️ Glad my videos help you keep on buggin. Enjoy & Happy Fahrvergnugen‼️ 👋🤠 👋🤠

[@sarahmartinez4590]

This guy is awesome, thanks bruce! no one else explained this as well.

[@VWBRUCE]

Bruce says, "Thank you, Sarah! Happy Fahrvergnügen!"

[@germs951]

Thanks for the video gramps. Love how you even showed ur mistake, helps me learn even more. Keep em coming.

[@VWBRUCE]

Thank you, VW lover! Glad my video helps you out! Happy Fahrvergnugen VW Bruce

[@joseinoscencio226]

Thank you, I never done a valve adjustment before. This video made me do it with confidence and now my beetle is running healthy.

[@VWBRUCE]

Well done, Jose! Great job! As long as you keep those Valves Adjusted, Change the Oil every 3000 miles (see my video), don't overheat the engine, do not Lug it (RPM's too low/downshift), do not Over Rev it, your engine should last 100,000 miles or more! Happy Fahrvergnügen!

[@RandysFiftySevenChevy]

Just found you ..I have a 71 Super Vert barn find and doing a valve adjustment in the AM . Now I see how easy it is. One more thing; In todays upside down erasing history world, Bruce will be the only history that is recorded on how to fix a internal combustion engines in VWs.

[@VWBRUCE]

Hey, Randy! Thanks for your kind, generous comments. I blush. Good luck with your convertable. Gosh, wish I could find one of those barns! And I used to live in "barn country", too! LOL. Happy Fahrvergnügen - Bruce

[@bobyk87]

Awesome! Greetings from Brazil. Many air cooled VW lovers here.

[@jepus63]

I've been working on my grandpa's engine this was a big help

[@VWBRUCE]

Bruce is glad he can be of help and Happy Fahrvergnügen!

[@whydahell3816]

Great video. Thanks Bruce and camer lady This is my kind of grandpa! You see his pants? Taped up patch! Lol I have that grease too! Best grease eva!

[@VWBRUCE]

Bruce says, "Hey, Scuba Do! Glad you like it! Camer Lady appreciates it too! We enjoy sharing. Yep! Sta-Lube Moly-Graph is the best grease. I've been using since forever! LOL Happy Fahrvergnügen!"

[@ordinaryaverageguy5440]

Thank you for sharing the experience you are very helpful . So clear. I have been an old 50's inline 6 guy since 72 . Had a 69 squareback in late 70's . Just bought a 67 bug . your knowledge is priceless .I just need some metric tools !

[@VWBRUCE]

Thank you for your comment! My personal choice is either Craftsman or Snap-On! Some of my Craftsman tools go back to 1971. Many times I use my Dad's Snap-On tools from 1943. Happy Fahrvergnügen! - Bruce

[@callalilycollective]

Thanks for the video Bruce. Going to to my first valve adjustment and your video is awesome. 🤙

[@VWBRUCE]

Your welcome . Glad to be able to help Thank you for watching. Happy Fahrvergnugen. VW Bruce

[@tecate9408]

Good solid information Bruce, Thanks!!

[@VWBRUCE]

Thank you, Tecate, & you're welcome!! Happy Fahrvergnugen!

[@tecate9408]

@@VWBRUCE 300 miles successfully completed around Big Island today with Vw enthusiasts from all sides, What an epic day! Memorial Cruise for members who are in VW Heaven now. Makes me appreciative and grateful for the times I get to wrench and drive my lil 62. Solid VW scene here with lots of Aloha!! Had to swap a fuel pump out 3rd of the way in, but real quick fix, even crossed up fuel lines good times!!

[@christophercole3055]

Hey Bruce, Thanks! Your gift just keeps on giving. I'm an oldster like you, getting back into air-cooled Beetles after many years and needed a refresher. We have the same year, model, color and even dings, bumps and bruises, lol. Live well and prosper, buddy!

[@VWBRUCE]

Thanks, Chris! Glad to be of service. My 1967 VW of 25 years was totalled in 2017. Hopefully I will get back into making more videos soon. Happy Fahrvergnügen!

[@vayabroder729]

@@VWBRUCE wow, that is a tragedy. 😞

[@VWBRUCE]

@@vayabroder729 It was. She was a great bug with an attitude. You wouldn't believe what happened to my 1969 just a few days ago. Yep! Twas the middle-car in a 3-car-slammer. I'm still sore from being thrown into the backseat. I will take a look under the Deck Lid soon. Meanwhile, I have videos to share from when I was bringing her back to Period Time.

[@vayabroder729]

@@VWBRUCE Oh dear Lord; that is such a drag; venturing out into the road these days is a life or death affair with people driving like maniacs while on their cell phones. I hope you are covered by insurance. This is very sad.

[@MyJake007]

Great, explained well. One of the better vids on youtube

[@paulatkins5544]

Great and informative video. Big help with my Kombi.

[@VWBRUCE]

Thank you, Paul! Glad to be of service! Happy Fahrvergnügen!

[@pacificovw9522]

Thank you Bruce and tambrateer: I liked the fact that you really show a couple of times how the feeler gauge tool goes in that valve gap, with the light right on it. I have seem other KZbin videos on this and they forget to really show how that feeler tool is supposed to go in that valve gap. You are what I was looking for, I got a good idea on how to do it on my Ghia.

[@VWBRUCE]

Bruce says "That is great and hoped it worked for you on your Ghia. Happy Farhvergnugen!"

[@mikehammer4546]

Great job on the instructional Video 👍👍 Hope your doing well Bruce

[@VWBRUCE]

"Hey, Mike! Thank you for the kind Comment! Glad it was helpful. Hopefully we will be back with more videos very soon! Happy Fahrvergnügen!

[@josephgutwirth5219]

Great video - super clear, clearly shot video, and nice explanations. Thanks!

[@VWBRUCE]

Thank you for the feedback, Joseph! Happy Fahrvergnügen!

[@markwarwick2920]

Great video. Especially the tip about the distributor.

[@VWBRUCE]

Bruce says, "Hey, Mark! Those dang distributors. Glad to be of help to you! Happy Fahrvergnügen!

[@marcwilburn9315]

Great video! Helpful and to the point!

[@VWBRUCE]

Thank you, Marc! Glad to be of service. Happy Fahrvernugen. - VW Bruce

[@rosendomakiputin819]

Thank for you tutorials ,thank you mechnic.

[@VWBRUCE]

You are welcome, Rosendo!

[@arjuna00]

Thanks very much Bruce. Very nicely explained.

[@VWBRUCE]

Bruce says, "Thank you, AJ! You are welcome. Happy Fahrvergnügen!"

[@markloganvw]

Bruce you are a star thanks very much.

[@VWBRUCE]

Aw, shucks, Mark! Thank you very much for your comment. Glad to be of service! Happy Fahrvergnügen!

[@kennethergle858]

Thank you sir. Really good video and your positive attitude is refreshing.

[@VWBRUCE]

"You are welcome! Thank you for your kind words and Happy Fahrvergnügen!" Bruce

[@IAm1InTheIAm]

Good vid Bruce. My Chihuahua thinks your Pomeranian is cool. My '58 bus thinks your '67 bug's cool. Me, I think you're cool, too👍

[@VWBRUCE]

Thanks 👍

[@bearkamakana8487]

I like the way you explain things,awesome video Thank you

[@VWBRUCE]

Bruce says, "Thank you and glad to be of help!"

[@MrTodo6969]

Thank you this helped me out very much

[@VWBRUCE]

Glad it helped you, Mr. Todo6969. Adjusting the valves & changing oil every 3,000 miles increases engine life. Keep up the good work!. Happy Fahrvergnugen- VW Bruce

[@martydom9820]

Thank you very much for the helpful tips! Im new to bugs and I want to learn everything!

[@VWBRUCE]

You are welcome, Marty'sLife!

[@jamescalifornia2964]

😮 Look at that little tiny engine ! Just like mine - '71 SuperBeetle 👌

[@VWBRUCE]

Yep! Tiny but easy on gas, oil. No toxic coolant... or water pump... or radiator... no freeze ups... no boil overs... The little engine that could!! Happy Fahrvergnugen! - Bruce

[@jamescalifornia2964]

@@VWBRUCE - Sadly my bug is getting poor MPG. Can't figure what it is ... 😰⛽

[@georgeb1518]

Hi Bruce, what an excellent video. Greetings from the UK. I've just got a 1974 it runs for about 30 seconds and then dies. weather permitting I'm going to have a look at the valves this weekend with your video...

[@VWBRUCE]

Hi George! Hope that worked out for you. Is your 1974 an EFI? If so, it may be the EFI "computer". Maybe check your fuel pump output, too. Hope that helps! Happy Fahrvergnügen!

[@lathropedition]

Thank you so much sir! Great video!!

[@VWBRUCE]

"You're very welcome, RCTID! Happy Fahrvergnügen!"

[@acmeradioinc]

Thank you now i feel I can do a valve adjustment on my 66 bug

[@VWBRUCE]

Great news! We are excited for you. Happy Fahrvergnügen!

[@NaldoBeetle]

Great video!

[@VWBRUCE]

Thank you, Naldo! Happy Fahrvergnügen!"

[@lillyblue1907]

Thanks for the tips! Can you change fan belt next and talk about it?

[@VWBRUCE]

Oh my, I am so sorry for missing your Comment, Brent! Sadly, June 2017 after 25 years of ownership, we lost our only car, his tan 1967 VW to an accident. We are blessed that he walked away, and he has somewhat recovered. Also, we were given a 1985 Volvo 245 for the interim hence the Volvo videos, but I am not sure about doing a VW fan belt change at this time.

[@ernestescamilla1557]

👍 nice job , thanks great explanation.

[@VWBRUCE]

Glad it was helpful!

[@toptiermango2122]

I really enjoyed your video. I’m attempting to do this on a 69 Porsche 912. Any advice on doing the adjustment without being able to find TDC?

[@VWBRUCE]

Hi toptiermango. Thank you for watching my video & glad you enjoyed it. To answer your question. Follow the spark plug cable from cylinder #1 to where it enters the distributor cap. Pop the cap open & hand rotate the engine clockwise until the distributor rotor is lined up with the # 1 spark cable in the distributor cap. Now mark the crank pulley where the crankcase halves join together. Use a bright contrasting color so it's easy to see with your strobe timing light. Your crank pulley is now marked at TDC & you can do your valve adjustment. Make sure your engine is cold & hasn't been running for at least 6-8 hours. Good wrenching to you & Happy Fahrvergnugen. VW Bruce

[@soggz4246]

Great info. Thanks.

[@VWBRUCE]

Glad it was helpful!

[@soggz4246]

@@VWBRUCE Adjusted my valves and now it goes like a dream!👍🏾🛠

[@ronmelys2854]

thanks bruce, nice video. i will be checking mine pretty soon (74 super beetle) ps cool dog, too!!

[@VWBRUCE]

Sorry for the delayed reply, Ron! Bruce says thank you and Happy Fahrvergnügen!

[@DizzyRigBig]

Is there any way to do an adjustment / inspection WITHOUT a feeler gauge? Thanks for the video, reminds me of growing up and working in the garage with my dad. Tons of fun.

[@VWBRUCE]

Hi DizzyRigBig. No, not really. However, if the valves are adjusted properly, a very slight play can be felt in the rocker arm with your fingers. If no play is felt, valves could be too tight. I'd you hear a lot of clattering, valves are too loose. A feeler guage is a necessary tool & are relatively low priced. .006 is the blade to use to get factory spec valve clearance. Happy Fahrvergnugen! - VW Bruce

[@GarthThomson]

Great video

[@goodstuffbetterstuff7207]

Nice job! You know your VWs. Thanks

[@VWBRUCE]

Thank you, Goodstuff Betterstuff. I try my best.

[@leonwilson8365]

will this video apply to a vw bus 1600 engine aswell?

[@VWBRUCE]

Hi Leon, yes! This tutorial is straight out of the Robert Bentley Official VW Service Manual.

[@Patriotsandpaws]

Great video, Bruce and Cameralady!

[@VWBRUCE]

Thank you!

[@emilyencinias1090]

Hey Bruce, Awesome video. My daughter has a Bug now she can check her valves herself. One question, do you drain the oil first or just go to town?

[@VWBRUCE]

Bruce says, "Hello Emily and daughter! Thank you! I try my best. So cool that Daughter will be checking her own valves! To answer your question, oil change and valve adjustements are 2 different jobs. Not first or second. Reason is oil needs to be drained at operating tempurature (hot) and valves *must* be adjusted cold to the touch. I personally change the oil first, let the car sit overnight and do the valves first thing in the morning while the engine is dead cold. My Oil Change video has a few cool tips n tricks as well! Hope this helps! Happy Fahrvergnügen!

[@bigooof7668]

Awesome video this helped me greatly and im going to go give my bug some much needed love

[@VWBRUCE]

Bruce says, "So glad to be of help, BigOoof! Rebuild. Recycle. Reuse! Happy Fahrvergnügen!

[@shamfeen]

VERY GOOD, THANKS

[@VWBRUCE]

You're more than welcome, Bug You! Happy Fahrvergnügen!

[@RCBOSS1969]

Great video, thanks!

[@VWBRUCE]

Glad to be of help! Happy Fahrvergnügen!

[@joelhoward2425]

Love this guy to bad he s not in Florida

[@VWBRUCE]

Thank you, Joel, with your kind words! Glad my videos are helping folks like you enjoy their VW more! Feel free to ask any VW question you may have. Till next time, Happy Fahrvergnugen!! - VW Bruce

[@cadegallal5181]

Hi, Bruce! Great video. I've been looking for some curved feeler gauges like you have. Can you tell me who makes them? Thanks!

[@VWBRUCE]

Hey, Cade! Thank you for the compliment! The Feeler Gauge that I use is about 50 years old, but, I have found a similar set made in the USA by Proto on Amazon. Here is the Amazon link, it is also in the video description should you need it again! Happy Fahrvergnügen! Feeler Gauge set at .006 (VW spec) - amzn.to/2w4GICU

[@cadegallal5181]

@@VWBRUCE Sweet, thanks, Bruce. I ended up picking some up locally today, but did my first successful oil change and valve adjustment; only had to slightly loosen exhaust 1. Anyhow, thanks for the VW ed! Glücklich Fahrvergnügen auch!

[@VWBRUCE]

@@cadegallal5181 Glad I could help. Good job on that valve!!

[@mauricioskippy1996]

Gracias !!! Señor

[@VWBRUCE]

¡De nada!

[@steveg9691]

Great vid. :-)

[@VWBRUCE]

Thank you, Steve. Glad it helped you out. Happy Fahrvergnugen, VW Bruce

[@soralover]

Much Appreciated.!~ Grazii Folks You Did A Great Job

[@VWBRUCE]

Glad we were of help! Happy Fahrvergnügen!

[@shamfeen]

Great video.thanks..you mentioned in a comment about the oil pressure control valve.where is that located and how is it adjusted..

[@VWBRUCE]

Do you mean the oil pressure relief valve? If so, it is on the bottom of the motor, in the back, on the right-hand-side. You will see a very large screw. That is it, the relief valve. There is no adjusting it. Simply remove the screw, slideout the spring and the valve, clean thoroughly and replace. They very rarely go bad. Hope this helps! Happy Fahrvergnügen! - Bruce

[@carmonacarmona5861]

thanks super old timer...

[@VWBRUCE]

Bruce says, "Glad to be of help!"

[@williamscheiderer9277]

Hey sir, my #1 cylinder is at your #2 position. Is that an issue? Seems to be running "ok" (still need to clean some gunk out of my fuel filter). I just put another distributor on and it was the same way. Please advise. Thanks.

[@VWBRUCE]

Hi William. Check your plug wires to make sure #1 plug is hooked with #1 on your distributor. Check your timing. You may need to reset it if the distributor has been rotated significantly. Happy Fahrvergnugen, VW Bruce

[@williamscheiderer9277]

@@VWBRUCE yeah #1 wire goes to #1 plug and corresponds with rotor and TDC. Just was wondering why mine was off 90°

[@VWBRUCE]

@@williamscheiderer9277 could be your distributor drive gear was installed 90° off into the engine case when it was assembled. If all is well, I'd let it ride like that. Rotating the distributor drive gear to its proper position requires the engine to be disassembled & the case split apart to correct it. I've seen the drive gear installed off a few times. Usually it's off 180°, making cylinder #3, #"1" & #1 #"3".

[@williamscheiderer9277]

Gotcha. And thanks for the quick response sir!@@VWBRUCE

[@VWBRUCE]

@@williamscheiderer9277 your welcome & have fun tinkering! Happy Fahrvergnugen, VW Bruce

[@thelittleredbarn174]

I just finished rebuilding a 1600 dual port and was wondering when the first valvevalve adjustment needs to be done?

[@VWBRUCE]

Bruce says, "VERY good question! On rebuilds, NEW valves need to seat themselves in and the valve seats (in the Head) need to get used to the NEW valve face. I do my valve adjustments at 100 miles, 300 miles, 600 miles, 1000 miles, 2000 miles, 3000 miles, and then every 3000 after that, forever! That method has never failed me in my 55 years of VW wrenching. Happy Fahrvergnügen!

[@dummiechanic7283]

any vw shop recommemdation around OC? i might need to adjust the carburator and i have no idea how to do it.

[@VWBRUCE]

Sorry for the delay! This is Mrs Bruce. I believe he just did a deep-dive video about Distributors that hasn't been uploaded yet. I will pass on your question to him in the AM. Where abouts are you in OC?

[@dummiechanic7283]

@@VWBRUCE thank you so much Mrs. Bruce i appreciate it, yes Ma'am i live in Garden Grove :) i've been wanting to own one of this so i got my self one last month in a Baja form, it's a 1974. i never knew that it's actually very hard working on a aircooled engine with carburators. but i LOVE my first bug it just need a little bit of tweak i hope haha

[@VWBRUCE]

@@dummiechanic7283 Yo, I see you're in Garden Grove. Please contact me through my website, vwtipsbybruce.weebly.com

[@dummiechanic7283]

@@VWBRUCE got it thank you Sir !

[@juliahenrich9953]

Question, if there is oil leaking from the valve cover does that mean the valves need to be adjusted? Or is it that the valve cover needs new seals?

[@ximonx]

Rocker gaskets will need changing

[@VWBRUCE]

Hi Julia...one of three possibilites here. The easiest is to replace your Valve Cover gaskets (link in the Description). If that doesn't stop the leak, then the Valve Cover Retainer Spring maybe too weak. So, replace that. If that doesn't stop the leak, your oil pressure is WAY too high! Check and clean your Oil Pressure Relief Valve. Depending on your Crank Case, you may have 2 of those. Hope this solves your problem. Happy Fahrvergnügen!

[@user-daviddog]

If I park my bug on a slanted drive way well this cause the oil in the motor to ack over filled and cause the oil cooler to leak?

[@VWBRUCE]

Hello David! No. I don't know what your definition of "leak" is. VW's historically drip slightly This occurs from the front engine oil seal lip occasionally dripping a drop or two which is designed by VW to keep the front oil seal from excessive engine heat shrinkage. We call this "marking their spot." Oil cooler leaks only occur when the engine is running. The oil drain plug and/or the oil strainer drain plate is the likely cause of your leak. Check for tightness & remember to replace the gaskets when changing your oil every 3,000 miles. I hope this helps you, David! Happy Fahrvergnugen, Bruce

[@user-daviddog]

@@VWBRUCE big oil leak I have had it fixed 3 times in a row I get about 25 50 miles and it leaks. The leak is big that I can't drive it if I do I have to pull over ever 10 miles and add oil . The mechanic said he thinks it may be building up too much pressure in the motor.

[@Butchfrazer-l9t]

so.what is the exh set for? 06?? or not mentioned: 08?? or both 06?? neophyte

[@VWBRUCE]

All the valves are to be set at .006 cold engine. I suggest letting the engine sit overnight before a valve adjustment. Adjustment the valves & change the oil every 3000 miles will extend your engine's life significantly. Happy Fahrvergnugen, VW Bruce

[@sirernest7]

What if the lights stays on ehen you move it? I have electronic ignition 2

[@VWBRUCE]

Hey Ernest! Sorry, I do not deal with electronic ignitions! Best of luck on that!

[@dummiechanic7283]

i think i messed up my vw bug today. I went cleaning my distributor took it out off the engine, but when i put it back. it backfires now, it use to run okay before i took the distributor but now it won't even start now.

[@VWBRUCE]

Sorry for the delay! This is Mrs Bruce. I feel ya'. SO frustrating isn't it. I believe he just did a deep-dive video about Distributors that hasn't been uploaded yet. I will pass on your Distrib. and Carb. questions to him in the AM. Where abouts are you in OC?

[@VWBRUCE]

This afternoon I just uploaded a video about Distributors. Might be of some help! kzbin.info/www/bejne/emTTeX-bjs2joa8

[@unicron24]

My 3rd cylinders intake valve won’t let me gap it, I pulled the screw way back and it still won’t let the feeler tru. Any advice??? Thanks.

[@VWBRUCE]

Bruce says, "It sounds like you have a suspect Valve Spring. Either the spring itself or the Spring Keeper or the Valve Retainer is dysfunctional = see a machinist! This happened to me once long ago. Sorry, man. That is a real bummer!"

[@Mr69volks]

Sounds good thanks for the info

[@thegoat1776]

great... thanks for the info

[@VWBRUCE]

Karl, you are most welcome. Happy Farhvergnugen!

[@detroitforever5352]

My nut and screw are moving together when i turn the nut! Any suggestions!?

[@VWBRUCE]

Hi Anthony, Bruce says what he does is have a spare bag of nuts and bolts to replace those that cease/frozen like yours. He's experienced your problem so much that for him it is worth buying a bag of valve adjusting nuts and slotted screws. They are surprisingly cheap! For now, unlock the Lock Nut and remove the Adjuster Screw. The Lock Nut will come off with the Adjuster Screw. Replace with new Adjuster Screw and Lock Nut. It should now be rather easy to adjust your valves.

[@ricardobooker1704]

What weight oil do you use and what brand.

[@VWBRUCE]

In the summertime here in So Cal, I run Castrol straight 40W and in the winter Castrol 30W. Here is video of mine with some Oil Changing tips and what I use! kzbin.info/www/bejne/rZ3Qgp2Am8-oeMU

[@gustavopadilla9176]

Its sound nice from 64vw of nj

[@VWBRUCE]

Thanks, Gustavo! Preciate that! Happy Fahrvergnügen!

[@johannsmit2001]

Hey Mr Bruce. Sir I am going to ask you a question, if I may. And the answer is probably everywhere on the internet. Sir I have a 1969 1600 single port motor. My question is regarding the firing order 🤔. I do have the point system distributor. With the mark on the pully . In the middle of the block. No 1 fire . Is the router in the distributor suppose to be pointing at 5 o clock. Or must the router point to wards no 1 which will be 2 o clock? If you can please 🙏 help . Kind and friendly regards Johann from South Africa 🇿🇦 Cape Town

[@VWBRUCE]

Greetings, Johann. You ask a very good question. It sounds like you have a factory stock setup. How sweet that is!! Your router should be closer to 5 o'clock than 2 o'clock depending on how much advance it has been timed for. You have the pulley timing mark matching the split in the crankcase correctly. Follow the spark plug wire from #1 to the distributor. Pip off the cap & the router should be right under the #1 wire where it enters the cap. Double check to make sure the distributor is installed correctly. Firing order is 1-4-3-2 Stick timing is at 0°. I advance my own engines to about 7° BTDC to get the full distributor advance curve for power & gas mileage. Keep me posted on how it goes. Post a picture of your bug, too please. Happy Fahrvergnugen, Johann. VW Bruce

[@johannsmit2001]

@@VWBRUCE Sir thanks for your reply. I will apply your directions . I have also watched your video regarding the distributor installation. The main reason for me asking this question. At the moment I have the router pointing towards #1 (2 oclock) with the plug lead to #1. Should I manually turn the motor with a 21 size spanner till the mark on the pully lines up and the router pointing to five o clock . Or will I just end up back at 2 o clock ? Sorry for your time. I don't even know what time zone you are in or even available to help.

[@VWBRUCE]

@@johannsmit2001 does the engine start easily & idles smoothly at about 900rpm with your current settings? If so, good. If not rotate your distributor clockwise to bring #1 to the 5o'clock position. Do the rotation while your engine is running. The way your engine responds will tell you if you're headed in the right direction or not. Check your dwell angle when done. It should be 44°-50° at 900 rpm. You may have to readjust your carb idle screw to get the proper idle speed, 800-900 rpm.

[@davedubnut2210]

Do you need to drop oil before you start?

[@VWBRUCE]

Hi, Dave. Good question. No you do not. I adjust the valves first after the engine has sat overnight. Then I warm up the engine thoroughly & change the oil. Happy Fahrvergnugen! - VW Bruce

[@davedubnut2210]

@@VWBRUCE I did google Fahrvergnugen! Lol

[@MasterChief-sl9ro]

Just adjust them when you change the oil.. No issues...

[@VWBRUCE]

Yep. Every 3000 miles when you change the oil!

[@centaurovw665]

Bug Brazil, good!!

[@TylerHarney]

So helpful, thank you! These valve cover gaskets are just plain old cork right? What's the thickness? I laser cut cork for other applications and I just realized I could cut my own valve cover gaskets. Duh >.

[@VWBRUCE]

Hi Tyler! That is pretty cool! Bruce is glad he was of help to you and says yes they are "plain old cork" but they come in different thicknesses. He has never known of an official "thickness" size especially when there was a time he had to use 2 gaskets together. They were very thin when he bought them; it was all they had on the shelf.

[@IAm1InTheIAm]

Hey Bruce, was it you that sang the praises of Sta-Lube Moly Grease? I'd like to get some in a tub, but can't seem to locate any...probably just an old-age moment I'm having. Ideas?

[@VWBRUCE]

Hey, I AM! Yeah, that was me! The stuff has never failed me! Speaking of old age, I am having a "Window of Clarity" and here is my Amazon Link for a 7lb tub! LOL! Lube it good! amzn.to/2XqPgCq

[@VWBRUCE]

Hi I Am! It's been a year, how's that Sta Lube workin' for you?

[@IAm1InTheIAm]

@@VWBRUCE oh, it's been GREAT! A real game changer for sure, thanks! Been using it on just about everything with excellent results. My '58 bus just turned 65, and Sta Lube has been keeping her happy and functional, from wheel bearings to shift linkages, and pretty much everything in between. Thanks again!

[@VWBRUCE]

@@IAm1InTheIAm Yo, I AM! Your welcome! Great to hear how much you like it & use it!! Happy Fahrvergnugen!!

[@MyHairyChin]

groovy! ✌ luv to hang out and talk veedubs.....

[@VWBRUCE]

Thank you for hanging with us, MyHairyChin!

[@tomasalvarez6040]

I think i have a leak from the valves on the right. Because after 15 minutes, i get a burning smell. Im assuming its the oil dripping onto the metal below it...what do u think?? (Ps. Greaaattt Video man. Loved it. Jus wish we coulda seen u actually adjust a valve)

[@VWBRUCE]

Hey Tomas! Thank you for your kind words. Your oil smell is probably from it dripping onto the Heater Exchange Box....one of three possibilites here. If you haven't already, the easiest is to replace your Valve Cover gaskets (link in the Description). If that doesn't stop the leak, then the Valve Cover Retainer Spring maybe too weak. So, replace that. If that doesn't stop the leak, your oil pressure is WAY too high! Check and clean your Oil Pressure Relief Valve. Depending on your Crank Case, you may have 2 of those. Hope this solves your problem. Happy Fahrvergnügen!

[@VWBRUCE]

ALSO, we are trying to get into another VW on our fixed income so we can show everyone Bruce's technique on actually adjusting a valve.

[@mechanicworld6453]

You know what your talking about.

[@VWBRUCE]

Bruce says, Thanks and Happy Fahrvergnügen!

[@t21229513]

nice

[@VWBRUCE]

Cool! Happy Fahrvergnügen!

[@jovaanberkley3419]

Can loose valves cause a no start condition

[@VWBRUCE]

No.

[@austywoe02_38]

damn that was easy

[@VWBRUCE]

Happy Fahrvergnügen!

[@manningcustom]

mine doesn't rotate as easily as yours

[@VWBRUCE]

Hi Michael! Thanks for your comment. But it does rotate, right? How does it run at idle? Perhaps you have a higher compression engine? Modified heads, racing pistons, high lift cam... can raise compression making the engine harder to rotate. If that is the case you could try removing the spark plugs which should make rotating the engine by hand much easier. Hope this helps you, sir. Happy Fahrvergnugen - VW Bruce

[@manningcustom]

@@VWBRUCE thanks for the reply. yes it does rotate. side question. I just changed my oil (for the first time) and I put a solid 4 quarts in. this seems like a lot. I checked the level and it isn't over the second mark. I do have an oil filter on my car. 74 ghia.

[@VWBRUCE]

@@manningcustom Hi Michael. Stock VW air cooled engines hold 2.5 qts. Your oil filter must hold a lot &/or your engine has an aftermarket sump attached

[@TheOwlSong]

Xlnt !

[@VWBRUCE]

Thank you!