Need help getting her to run

[Fred Mintert]

I purchased a 78 bus about a year ago, and still haven't gotten her running properly all the time. First it was that she wasn't charging the battery. I was stranded at a donut shop in Webb City, where the owner was a Vdub enthusiast, and he helped me replace the points. Since then, I have replaced the starter, alternator, and blue coil, but still no charge. I also replaced a couple rotting, leaking gas lines.
What I am facing now is that I can get her to start, but once I put her in gear and try to drive, she dies. Very hard to get her to restart unless I let her sit for 5-10 minutes.I have had lots of different advice such as needing new fuel filter (but was told that you cannot buy a new or replacement) someone else said it still might be electrical, such as the points, but I don't really have a good idea where to start. Any advice? Thanks in advance,
Fred

[david58]

First things first you have to get the charging system working. Below is a diagram for the typical Bosch Alt, below it are 4 videos that will help you understand the diagram, the 3rd video shows how to properly adjust the belt, and the 4th video shows the most likely place to have a vacuum leak and tell where to spray the carb cleaner with it running. Although you can have vacuum leaks at both ends of the intake, where the carb is and where the intakes bolt to the heads.

What I am facing now is that I can get her to start, but once I put her in gear and try to drive, she dies. Very hard to get her to restart unless I let her sit for 5-10 minutes.

Do you have a dwell meter? Working off memory is should be 48 degrees If so check the dwell. If not check the gap it should be 16 thousands. The timing also needs to be checked.
As far as the fuel filter goes replace it whomever told you cannot cannot buy a new or replacement is full of crap.



http://www.nls.net/mp/volks/schem/alt2.gif

[david58]

Oh I completely forgot is sounds like your starter could be dragging since you have to wait for it to restart.

[Fred Mintert]

thanks so much! You have given me a direction to move.