74 Beetle

[Glenn]

Tell us if you get better mileage now.

Maybe less since my rear brakes now work.

[Glenn]

So on the way home from the 2nd Wednesday meeting I heard a tapping noise and assume it was just a loud valve. On Sunday I check the valves and all were prefect, but the tapping noise was still there. Today I dragged it over to GT where we double checked the valves and found them fine. We used a stethoscope to narrow it down but I could only tell that it was on the right side (#1 and #2). After removed each of the spark plugs I found #1 was a dead cylinder.

So something is going on and it looks like i'll be pulling the engine to find the cause. But before that I purchased a leak down tester and compression gauge so I can get some numbers and have a better clue as to what's going on.

Plans are to pull the engine and remove the right side cylinder head to take a look see.

I already removed the mufflers and fuel line. Next are the carbs and intake manifold so I can get to the spark plugs.



As they say Shit happens, but it's nothing that can't be fixed.

This also give me the opportunity to pull the tranny and have a noisy bearing replaced.

[mannys66]

kill two or three birds with one stone.

[volksbugusa]

Glenn
if you need a hand flip me an email...Thanks

[Glenn]

Thanks Matt.

What i did today.




But before I removed the engine I did a compression test and a leak down test.

Compression
#1 100
#2 140
#3 138
#4 140

Leak down
#1 20%
#2 20%
#3 20%
#4 18%

I don't understand why #1 is not lower. Not sure what's causing the lower compression. I also have no clue what's causing the noise.

[AoT]

Wow, tough news for you. Looks like you're making a good plan. I'm sure you've got it figured out by now! Good luck.

[Glenn]

Here's the plugs. #1 looks good. #2 looks a bit rich.

[Glenn]

Didn't get to work on it, i was busy doing yard work.

But I did get my neighbor to help me move it to a dolly. The next thing is to redo the leak down test.

I also plan on removing the tranny and replacing a noisy bearing.

[Raj]

thanks glenn.... keep us posted brother

[MURF]

when doing a leakdown test..when doing a cylinder besides your numerical reading..use your other senses..listen..if you hear the air escaping at the tailpipe..exhaust valve issue..at the throttle.intake valve issue..take off the oil cap and listen ..bad rings..under car..bad headgasket...leadown is a much better diagnostic tool compared to compression

[Glenn]

when doing a leakdown test..when doing a cylinder besides your numerical reading..use your other senses..listen..if you hear the air escaping at the tailpipe..exhaust valve issue..at the throttle.intake valve issue..take off the oil cap and listen ..bad rings..under car..bad headgasket...leadown is a much better diagnostic tool compared to compression

I did hear air escaping on all the cylinders... 20%

I could not pinpoint exactly where it was coming from. I use some matches to create smoke but that didn't help either. I'm gonna retest when I can and maybe borrow a smoke machine.

[AoT]

when doing a leakdown test..when doing a cylinder besides your numerical reading..use your other senses..listen..if you hear the air escaping at the tailpipe..exhaust valve issue..at the throttle.intake valve issue..take off the oil cap and listen ..bad rings..under car..bad headgasket...leadown is a much better diagnostic tool compared to compression

Was going to ask what a leakdown test is but you beat me to it! Was exactly is the engine doing in this process that you get this air moving through or are you forcing air through with a compressor?

[Glenn]

Here's a video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ofSiTGeLXvc

[Glenn]

I started taking it apart.



The right side head needs to come off to be examined.

[MURF]

MOST GOOD SHOPS DO LEAKDOWN AS PART OF THE DISASEMBLING PROCESS.WE DO LEAKDOWN ON COMPLETED ENGINES BEFORE ROCKER INSTALL TO CHECK THE QUALITY OF THE WORK WE PAID MACHINE SHOP TO PERFORM

[Glenn]

Now it's a long block.



I have to say it's a pleasure to work on a engine that's not all rusted up. The exhaust nuts came right off but I did have to "persuade" the header pipes to come apart.

I just need a hand getting it up on my engine stand and then i can remove the head.

[EDNCAROL]

Glenn I'am off wednesday. If you still need a hand give me a shout. Ed

[Glenn]

Thanks Ed, i'm not sure if i want to work on it in my cold garage or at GT where there's heat.

[EDNCAROL]

I'll be around so if you need a hand puttin it in the honda give me a call.

[Kermit]

As a side note, a big thumbs-up to Glenn for posting so many great photos as he works. Not to mention everyone else who posts lots of photos. Makes reading a lot more engaging and fun.

[realbluefoot]

Glenn, just go stock.

[Glenn]

Glenn, just go stock.

Been there 4 years ago.


And it's still sitting in my garage.

[Raj]

GR.... nice to see you getting your hands dirty and working like an avg joe on the cold concrete like the rest of us. LOL

Its also nice to see further evidence that a car is never done. A guy once chuckled when i said I have a few things lined for the next time I have my motor out ( i have that list for every VW i own). IMHO, to think its 'done' is foolish. No matter how nice, now much $$ you have dumped, how fast etc..... ongoing maintenance in critical. These old cars are super reliable but they are still old, and an an old technology. Its tried and true... yes, but they do need some attn.

Thanks for sharing your story gr.

[Glenn]

Actually i'm going to take advantage of the car being apart and looking into having the tranny gone through (noisy bearing) and sending the car to Tim at 401 restoration to have a few body/paint issues done.

After all... I have another hotrod I can use in the meantime.

[mannys66]

you got snow tires for that new hot rod ?