Cost of engine "tune-up" (ballpark figure)
 

Suppose the car has not been driven for a few years, has a starter problem, the Carbs need to be synched, and the usual stuff done. How much $$$? I know tghe price depends on MANY factors, but I need to know if I can write a good check, or sell off my kidneys!

A rough guess would be something like: 2hrs + parts (gaskets, o-rings) to do a valve adjust, 2 hrs + parts (carb kits) to rebuild carbs, 1 hr + parts (pts, rotor, cap, plug wires, spk plugs) to do ignition overhaul. Many shops will combine things so there is only 3 or 4 hours total, but remember running the car and sync'ng the carbs and making sure all is right is usually part of this total. Good luck.

I just purchased a synchronizer for my dual weber 44's. I to cost $50 and was real easy o use. You might want to consider do that part yourself to save a little money, depending on how much they're charging you for it.

rob

Hey Chris, How mechanically inclined are you? Considering the average shop hourly rate is roughly $65-$85 per hour, you'd better hit the books or take a class at your local junior college.

First, you need to address the starter problem. Whether its the ignition switch,bad ground or simply a bad starter altogether.

Secondly, the valve adjust is an hour plus gaskets and sealer. Then plugs,cap,rotor,wires,fuel and air filters.

Then finally, adjusting the carbs. That depends if they need a rebuild or just to be syncronized. That could be 3 to 6 hours depending on the condition of the carbs.

Save yourself the aggravation (and the insane costs) and do it yourself.

This site is a wonderful place to do everything you have mentioned and you get real intimate with your teener'.

Besides, you get the satisfaction of fixing right yourself, because really you are the expert on your car. No one else knows it better than you!

Good Luck my Friend,
John

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72'914

Chris, here's the easiest way to learn everything you need to know to complete your tune-up. Go to your nearset book store (Barnes and Knoble, Daltons, whatever) and buy a book titled "How to Keep Your Volkswagen Alive, a Manual of Step by Step Procedures For the Complete Idiot" by John Muir. This is a VERY popular book among most VW owners and even 914ers.
Anyway, the book teaches you everything in laymens terms and is very laid back and easy to follow. The author explains the proper use of tools and even tells you what tools are needed for each procedure. Just look at all of the type IV chapters since that's what a 914 engine is similiar too. Finally, after you understand how it's done on a VW type IV engine you will be able to look up the same procedure in your 914 Haynes manual, or even follow a Pelican Parts tech article or BBS step. You can easily buy yourself a nice set of tools and have money left over if you do it yourself too. Dig in my friend, you'll be amazed at what you can do and how easy it really is.

To us, a very important part of a tune up is cleaning the fan, and inspecting for cracks.....A clean fan cools the engine 20% better on average, than a dirty fan....

The hardest, most time consuming part is the valve adjustment, on a 914...