Give YOUR engine a 'Spring Clean Up'
#1: Right, first things first, change your oil. This needs to be done every 3000 miles. Or if you only use your VW occasionally, around once a year.
#2: Points. First remove your distributor cap, rotor arm and little round plastic thingy, under here you will find the points. Make sure they are clean and not pitted. If they are replace them! The point's gap should be 0.4mm. (You will need feeler gages to check this!)
fig.1. DISTRIBUTER READY FOR POINTS GAP CHECK.
#3: Plugs. Remove the HT leads from on top of the plugs making sure you remember the order in which they came off! Then, remove the spark plugs and check each one in turn individually. Make sure the plug is in sound condition with light greyish brown deposits. The gap should be 0.7mm. (see diagram)
fig2. CHECKING THE PLUG WITH FEELER GAUGES.
fig.3. PLUG IN SOUND CONDITION WITH LIGHT GREYISH BROWN DEPOSITS.
#4: Air filter(s). Simply remove and check that they are clean. If they are totally knackered, replace 'em!
#5: Fan Belt. Check the belt for any wear or snags, if it looks at all dodgy; replace it (you should always carry a spare anyway!) The fan belt should have about an inch to half an inch play in it. If it is loose remove the top pulley and take some washers away. Reverse this procedure if the belt seems to tight.
#6: Fuel lines. Check fuel filter (if fitted) is clean, and check fuel lines for cracks or perishing. If damaged replace immediately.
#7: valve Clearances.First of all remove your rocker covers. Then check that the little notch in the crankshaft pulley is in line with the crank case centre line. And that the rotor arm is pointing to the #1 lead. Then you can adjust both the tappets on #1 cylinder. Clearances should be 0.15mm when the engine is cold. When you have done this, move to #2 then #3 and #4 by moving the crankshaft pulley ½ a turn backwards (180 degrees) each time.
Once you've done all that you should be;
a) Totally knackered,
b) Cleaning all the oil and blood from your hands/clothes.
c)Hiding the wife's / mum's / girlfriend's (or male counterparts) best and now very oily tea towels
d) The owner (if it has all been done correctly) of a nicely serviced happier engine! Now go have a shower, you're filthy!
This article has been brought to you by Bodgit & Run.