[T3] Started after seven years, now what?

[Jim Adney]

On 20 Aug 2012 at 7:33, Jacob Adam Schroeder wrote:

> Last night I cranked her over for the first time (using a
> new battery) and . . . sure enough, she fired right up. 

> Now what?

Let it run a little longer, running at various rpms, until it's well 
warmed up. Then change the oil and lube the 4 zerks on the front 
beam. If you just changed the oil, check the brakes and drive it a 
bit, if possible, then change the oil a second time.

For oil, I've found that I can buy diesel engine oil that meets 
earlier (better for us) gasoline engine ratings. Look for 15W-30 
diesel oil that also meets (look on the back) the SL, IIRC, rating. 
This stuff is actually pretty cheap if you buy generic in a 2 gal 
jug. I think I just paid $18 for 2 gal.

As a basic check that the FI system is hooked up correctly, verify 
that you hear a relay click when you turn the kay ON and then a 
second click ~1 second later.

The first maintenance thing you should probably do would be to fix 
the most likely broken overflow hose on your gas tank. For your '72 
the kits cost $30 from me. This will keep dirt and water out of your 
gas tank.

The Pertronix should be fine, but check the timing anyway, and note 
that the '72 requires a special timing proceedure which can ONLY be 
found in the brown Bentley manual. Follow it carefully.

With the engine warmed up after a drive, check the voltage at the 
battery with the engine running at medium rpm. It should be 14.1-14.4 
V. If it is lower than 13.5 V, you NEED a new voltage regulator. This 
is a common failure item that often gets overlooked. Low voltage will 
give poor (overly rich) running and terrible gas mileage.

Good luck and happy to have you back,

-- 
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Jim Adney, jadney at vwtype3.org
Madison, Wisconsin, USA
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