Volkswagen Tech Tips

 Over the years, we have had to disassemble and fix nearly every part of our air cooled Volkswagens.  Through this we have learned many tips and tricks which we plan on documenting in this section.

Tip #1
Buy the 'idiot book' for your Volkswagen.  If you only get one book for your VW, this is the one to have.  It is entitled: How to Keep Your Volkswagen Alive: A Manual of Step-by-Step Procedures for the Compleat Idiot.  Author: John Muir, Published By John Muir Publications.

Tip #2
Buy the factory service manual for your Volkswagen.  It is by Robert Bently publications.  There is one for each and every air cooled VW.  If you decide that you're going to keep your VW alive FOREVER then you'll need this.  It has in it all kinds of useful information that many may not need such as tightening torque for your front beam bolts or dimensions for ensuring that your old Bus is straight.  The latter being an exercise not for the faint of heart!

Tip #3
If you are planning on building a Baja Bug or already have one, buy the book entitled Baja Bugs and Buggies: How to Prepare VW-based Cars for Off-road Fun and Racing, by Jeff Hibbard, published by HP Books.  After you've got this book, read it, know it, take it to heart.  You'll be miles ahead (literally) for it.

Tip #4
If you are planning on using a Weber carburetor or already have one, buy the book entitled Weber Carburetors, published by HP Books.  A Weber is a great carb but only if you know how to make it work.

Tip #5
When the grease nipples on the link pins (front end) of your bus break off, REPLACE THEM.  It seems to be somewhat common that they get broken somehow.  Regular lubrication of the front beam is vital to it's health.  Not only is it expensive, but also labour intensive when you find out that the link pin needle bearings are rust.  This is how our '65 came to us.  We've also learned that even with frequent greasing, a new set of link pins can die in three years, now we've learned that we'll have to partially dis-assemble the assembly with every lube job - once we've replaced it again!!!

Tip #6
Use Synthetic Engine Oil!

Click here to read our thoughts on oils for your VW engine and transaxle.

Tip #7
The cir-clip which holds the rocker-shaft in the fuel pump is the same size as the cir-clip which locates the windshield wiper shaft assembly on a pre-'68 Bus (possibly also some early models of Beetle, we don't know which years).  Save those extra cir-clips when your fuel pump dies!  We were recently reminded of the fact that we had figured this out on our Bus when we stopped to offer assistance to a stopped Beetle in a rainstorm - his wipers had stopped working properly headed through the mountains, we've been there!