1969 V.W. Bug driving me Buggy.?

Question

I bought a 1969 vw bug for 300 bucks knowing it had probs.. we are trying to fix them but keep comming across more probs.. the motor seems to over heat and we don't know why it is an air cooled motor and problem 2 is .. the motor doesn't seem to be the original motor its not in my idiot book and i have no clue how to look it up.. the numbers on it are H5691767 and above that on top half it reads ZUN dIOLGE 1-4-3-2 there are two dots above the U. and letter after the d was almost unrecognizable so its either an i, L, t or f. if any one has any info or suggestions i would appreciate them greatly this cute bug is driving me and my grandfather buggy.

Answer 1

Here's a link to an article offering possible solutions to your overheating problem:

http://www.vw-resource.com/overheating.h...

And here is a link to VW serial and engine numbers:

http://www.vwoc.euromarques.com/serial_n...

Answer 2

Could be running lean (carb adjustment) or the exhaust valves might be too tight (valve adjustment). Low oil.  

Answer 3

Overheating on these cars is usually caused by two fixable issues.1) Dirt and grease plugging the cooling fins on the block and heads. 2) A faulty "thermostat" located in the back of the fan housing. Curing these two problems should eliminate any overheating.The ZUN..........number you quote is the firing order.

Answer 4

The "H" engine was built aug.66 to july 69. The thermostat "thing" Was a big ring on a spring in the back of the engine shroud. 99.9 % of these were torn off and thrown away the first time it's cable slid off it's roller and jammed the thing closed. The gunk on the cooling fins is a valid concern. Crawl under neath and remove the passengers side tin between the exhaust and the engine block.(Square and has 4 screws holding it on) This will give you access to first the thermostat bellows.(brass accordion like thing in a bracket between the cylinders. Remove it and save for winter. Next you should be able to inspect the sides of the cylinders for trash, critter nests and gunk.  If you don't see clean fins on the cylinders- you will have to pull the fan shroud to get to the top of the engine for a complete clean out.

Timing; get a 12 volt poke test lite. Clip it to the points side of the coil.

remove the coil wire so it doesn't start- turn the engine over and watch the light and the marks on the front pulley go by. Soon one will line up with the light. Adjust the distributor till it lines up on the correct mark(0 tdc no hoses)That will get you running and you can fine tune with a timing light.

like the other post said-tight valves-vacumn leaks- and it should run cooler. These did run rather hot in the summer any way.