79 beetle starting help!

Do you mean it won't crank when hot? Or cranks but just won't fire?

The high idle can be caused by the Aux Air Regulator (mounted just above the crank pulley). Or by leaking hoses connected to it.

Speedy Jim

oh it cranks, but wont fire.... starts right up when cool... after a long run, it'll just crank and crank and then im stuck at the store!

thanks!

That can be tough to diagnose. I think I would begin by determining if the electric fuel pump runs while the starter is cranking (hot). With a helper, you may be able to hear it (under the gas tank) or perhaps put a hand on the pump to feel it. You can measure fuel pressure, but this is trickier.

If the pump *does* run while cranking, see if there is spark right off the coil Hi-tension lead.

Next, I would put a voltmeter on the ballast resistor pack (on the right engine bay wall). This is just a convenient place to connect a meter and it will tell if the computer is getting power while cranking.

Of course, you can swap the order of these tests.

I'm assuming the problem is an electrical malfunction of one sort or another.

There is a simplified FI diagram on my web site and explanation.

Speedy Jim

Thanks Jim... I'll try that! with good weather coming my wife is anxious to cruise in her car!

js