jelder

Ok, that was quick.. Lose ground on the alternator... Good to go. Now, if we can all pray that I pass deq! LOL John

Ok, update time. I replaced a few things, but didn't see much change until I replaced the pcv valve. Then I got to thinking. In my experience with older VW's, the throttle screw should be backed all the way out before tryin to adjust the idle air screw. So, I backed the throttle all the way off, then backed the idle are all the way out to try and get highest idle possible. started it up and it idled steady at 600 rpm. Was a bit shocked. Does this seem right? After that I adjusted both screws to get it to idle at 900, and that;s where we sit. New problem. Last night I was heading home and the alternator shorted out and blew a fusible link. Got a refurb alternator and fusible links and put them in this morning. (That was before getting the idle set right.) Now, with idle set at 900 and basically new alternator, I have the flashing brake and charge lights. Everything I've read says that's the first sign of a bad alt. Really confused. Thinking I should go back and have the new alt checked. Battery seems to hold a charge just fine. About 12.5v. Showing 13.5ish when running. Any input? Thanks, John

Thanks. I'll keep you all updated. I had the accelerator cable problem the other night after rebuilding the carb. Fixed that. But it still idle's really bad and tends to stick at 1500 to 200 sometimes. Other times it just dies. I'm going to clean out the distributor. Looks a bit dirty in there. Might try a new set of points, though they don;t look that bad. Anyone had any luck with the electronic point replacements? I've used them in VW's, but not subarus.

Here's some pics. Thanks.

Ok, so the good news is I found a 79 brat in a pick-n-pull that still had the carb. Idle screw is good to go. I think eventually I will go with a aftermarket carb, but budget prohibits for now. I do have apretty bad exhaust leak, would the lack of back pressure effect the idle? I can't get it to stay at one idle. I get the idle to about 1000, and a few minutes later, it will be at 2000 or dieing. I've also got a lot of sediment coming out of the gas tank. I'm thinking it has to be that or the exhaust. Any thoughts?

I just got a 78 best for a great deal. (can't beat free!) Its all complete. A little ugly. Partially primer grey. A little rust in front of the rear tires. Some along the edge of the hood. And surface rust underneath. Pretty straight body. Just some minor dings. Hasn't been on the road since 98. And I get to be the second owner! Problem is, the idle needle/screw is busted. Haven't had any luck finding one online. The carb is the dcj-306. Anyone have any leads? Thanks.