The operation of the fuel and ignition systems is closely interrelated. It is difficult to talk about one or the other in isolation, but we will give it a go. First we will address the operation of the fuel system, which will lead naturally into a discussion the ignition system and the interaction of the carburetor and distributor, usually referred to as "tuning." To make sure that those relatively new to the VW world understand the more technical discussions that will follow, we will begin with a rather elementary discussion of the fuel system and how it works.
To start: Open the engine lid and locate the air cleaner -- it is uppermost in the engine compartment, sitting right on top of that complicated-looking gizmo in the center of the engine with several levers and springs. If the air cleaner is original (stock) it's a big, black clunky thing. The air cleaner may have been replaced by a previous owner (PO) with a little shiny chrome "aftermarket" one. In any event, that complicated-looking gizmo in the center of the engine with several levers and springs is the carburetor. We will begin our discussion of the VW fuel system with this very important component.
Disclaimer stuff: Rob and Dave have prepared this information from their own experiences. We have not assumed any specialised mechanical knowledge, but we DO assume that anyone using this information has at least some basic mechanical ability.
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Last revised 5 May 2004.
