[T3] FI to Carb conversion

[Gary Forsmo]

On 16 Nov 2013 at 10:10, Terrie Ann Schmearer wrote:

> The time has come. My '72 T3 1600 Fastback is going to be converted
> from FI to carbs. Didn't think I'd ever do that. However, I haven't
> been able to drive it for over a year and we've put around $6000 in
> repairs in it and it's time. My (new) mechanic has been speaking to
> other classic VW mechanics who have all said to convert.

James Lingenfelter wrote:

>I know there are a lot of hardcore Type 3 fans
>on this list who swear by the FI, but I have never actually met
>anyone in person who had a positive experience with the type 3 FI,
>from relatively ignorant shade tree mechanics like myself, to VW
>dealership mechanics that maintained them when they were new cars. I
>have to admit I occasionally have gotten a chuckle out of the staunch
>defense of the FI within this registry, while 90% of the inquiries
>seem to involve people unable to drive their cars due to failure
>within the FI system.

>Jimmy

Terrie --
Frustrating as your FI experience may be, my signature may explain and
underscore my support of being a one-owner, FI Type 3 since it was new in
October 1969.
But that alone should NOT influence your decision to (or not) consider
converting to carbs.

I can only convey my experience and satisfaction with my Fuel Injected 1600
Square.

1)  My car was a daily driver in Wisconsin (read rust belt) until ~1984.  A
(partial) amateur restoration was done.
2)  Due to, what turned out to be, a minor, hard-to-find, cut return fuel
line, the car was garaged for a period of time before I had sufficient time
to locate and repair the problem.
3)  Beginning in 1986, I drove the car again as a daily driver ... in
summers only.
4)  In 2001 the car went into a dry, barn storage for 9 years due to
medical issue.
5)  In 2010 with help (of telephone guidance) from Jim Adney, we replaced
all of the cracked, leaking, deteriorated fuel lines from the fuel tank to
the fuel ring, tested the injectors and replaced the return fuel line.
Jim rebuilt the fuel pump.  That got the engine running ... sort of.  But I
was able to relocate the Square, closer to where Jim lives, for more
convenience.
6)  Since then, Jim has worked on the brakes (lines, fluid, returning the
wiring to original configuration, MC, shoes, wheel cylinders, ignition,
etc.), timing, setting valve clearances, etc.

Since due to physical limitations, having Jim to "wrench" on the car, the
Square has been running well, again.
Granted, that's been somewhat time consuming.  :-)

But knowing what I know about members on the Type 3 List, if you can, I
would seriously consider Jim's (and others) offer to bring your car to the
June 2014 Invasion in Fairport, NY.  I believe the "talent pool" of people
at that event could possibly help you identify and solve your FI problems.

Jimmy --

I am one of the "staunch defenders" of the Type 3 Fuel Injection system and
a "hardcore Type 3 fan
on this list who swear by the FI".

Reading the comments of those knowledgeable members who have been involved
with the difficulty of a FI-to-Carbs Conversion, I would not be eager to
encourage Terri to go down that road.  Conversely, I would encourage her to
find a way to fix the FI system.

If possible, attending the 2014 Invasion and being surrounded by
knowledgeable Type 3'ers, could be a major step forward.

Gary "Frito" - '69 Variant, FI, MT
Rockport, TX (winter)
Lake Geneva, WI (summer)
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