@storm........just wanted to share some photos....I didn't know that you were hungry for words......here are a few for you......
Spark plugs: Bosch Super, (yellow packing)
Spark plug gap: 0.028in (0.7mm)
Ignition Timing: 7 degrees BTDC
Valve clearance:
Inlet 0.006 in (0.15 mm)
Exhaust Same as inlet
Tyre pressure,
Cross ply, 5.20/5.60x15: 16 front, 24 rear
Radial, 155x15: 19 front, 27 rear
Add 3lbs per tyre for full load and highway travel.
Spare tyre pressure: 30
Avoid oversize tires; they kill your suspension and lead to premature wear and tear to the steering mechanism and gearbox. The transmission wasn'tdesigned for them either!
Engine Oil:
Capacity: 2.5 liters. Try and use 40 single grade in summer, and a 30/40 grade in winter.
20/50 Multi-grade oils are unsuitable for Beetle engines. Don't waste your money.
Change oil every 3000 km, as typical driving conditions here are very
severe, i.e. hot weather, frequent short hops, and full passenger load. Buy the 3 liter can, and use the extra amount to change the oil in the AirCleaner.
Oil bath Air Cleaner/filter:
Do this exercise at every oil change. If driving in severe dusty conditions, it may be necessary to service oil bath air filter element weekly!
If your car has a paper type element, (Super Beetles and some post 1973cars), clean it with compressed air from the inside out, taking care not to tear it or blow holes in it. Replace this element as per availability!
You will need:
1 liter kerosene (to wash out air cleaner parts)
1 flat screwdriver
1 plastic shopping bag
Oil bath element: Unhook paper and rubber pipes from air cleaner. Unscrew filter from carburetor, and remove, taking care to hold the assembly horizontal, otherwise the old oil inside will drip all over the engine and you! Undo the clips and remove element, Drain the old oil from base, wash with some kerosene and wipe the inside with cloth or cotton waste. Next, put the element in a plastic shopping bag, fill with kerosene and shake for a few minutes, pull it out, shake dry and then refill the base unit up to the red line. Oil capacity is: 0.25 liter (0.4 liter for 1300-1600 engines). Don't overfill, fuel consumption will go up. If you are not up to the job yourself, have it done by a trained VW mechanic.
Be eco-friendly, always dispose of used oil properly, never into drains or
streams. Lets not pollute our environment.
Oil filter: Yes, Beetles do have oil filters.
First, buy an oil filter gasket kit from your Volkswagen spares shop. Drain the oil from the sump, then gently undo the six small screws around the drain nut. The round plate can then be gently praised off with a screwdriver, and there in the center of the plate is the oil filter wire mesh.
Wash it in kerosene, and reinstall with the packing from the kit, along with the six copper washers. These cardboard packing and copper washers are sold as a set for around 30-50 rupees. Wash the oil filter every second oil change. Try and use 40 single grade in summer, and a 30/40 grade in winter.20/50 multi-grade oils are unsuitable for beetle engines. Don't waste your money.
Gearbox oil:
Capacity (refill), 2.5 liters, (Dry 2.8 liters).
Use EP 90 grade in summer, 80 in winter.
If you live South of Multan, use 90 grade year round.
Hardly anyone here in Pakistan ever changes the gearbox oil, don't be one of them! Contrary to what 'desi' mechanics will tell you, please change the gearbox oil every 20,000 km or twice a year, which ever occurs first. Remember, good gearboxes are now virtually impossible to find! Treat yours with respect, and never use 140-grade gearbox oil; thicker oil is definitely not better in this case!
Grease points:
4, located front torsion bar tube, two on each side
Oiling points:
Door hinges need oiling every few months, remove the protective caps and squirt with an oil can or WD40.
Door locks:
Use sewing machine oil through the small holes in the door
frames. These are located under white plastic covers located just above the door lock.
Front hood springs will also benefit from oiling, stops those groans!
