fuel consumption

[Cobey]

Okay, so I have been trying to make sure I use first for take offs.  The tricky part is the 1st-2nd shift point.  I found that if I slowly shift, (take out of 1st, pause for about 1 second as the motor dies down, and then ease it into 2nd), I cn make a smooth transition from 20-30mph.  If I shift it quickly, (one fluid motion, engine revs barely dropping off), I get a thump instead.

What does this mean?  Do I need to make an adjustment to anything other than my shifting habits?  I do know the time delay between when I put her in gear and when I can feel the trans engage is very short.

[Dennis Flora]

Did you ever get a tach hooked up for the test ???  Dennis

[beetleman74]

so yea when i shift from 1-2 it takes a while for it to catch is that bad like 2-3 seconds maybe id check the stuff on my tranny but i have no idea what im doing :x oh yea and im tottally posting in the wrong topic haha

[NOVA Ghia Owner]

If I remember correctly, the owner's manual for my Karmann Ghia AS shows about a 1 mpg difference (lower) between the AS model and the manual.  The manual is rated at about 26 and the AS at about 25.  I can get exact figures if anyone is interested.

Regarding the shift from low to 1 to 2, my AS shifts just like a 3 speed manual.  Start out in low, listen to the motor and shift at about 15 to 20 mph to 1.  Shift to 2 at 40 to 45.  I let off the gas between shifts and the car shifts smoothly just like a properly driven manual.  There is no delay on my car.

This is my first AS.  I was skeptical about buying it but really enjoy driving it.  It drives really nice!

[bookwus]

Hiya Cobey,

As I recall, the amount of time for an AutoStick to actually do the shifting process between ranges is something on the order of one tenth of a second.  Much faster than in a manual.

If you are getting a "thump" when you shift from Low Range to First, I would imagine that you are also getting a noticeable thump when you shift into First Range from Nuetral.  Are you?

If that is the case, you might want to try to soften out those shifts by adjusting the control valve adjusting screw.  This can have the effect of softening the shift (assuming that the control valve still works as designed - many do not) but it also lengthens the amount of time for that shift.

So, you are left with this sort of situation........you can fiddle around with the CV adjusting screw and then road test the car.  Try to find a happy medium between a good positive shift and a smooth shift.  As a matter of fact the "try it and test it, try it and test it again" method is just what the Bentley suggests.

Mike

1970 AS Bug

[Cobey]

If you are getting a "thump" when you shift from Low Range to First, I would imagine that you are also getting a noticeable thump when you shift into First Range from Nuetral.  Are you?

Yup.  There is a thump moving to any gear from neutral.  I always thought it was normal like in a full automatics.  This is a it bigger a bump though.

If that is the case, you might want to try to soften out those shifts by adjusting the control valve adjusting screw.  This can have the effect of softening the shift (assuming that the control valve still works as designed - many do not) but it also lengthens the amount of time for that shift.

So, you are left with this sort of situation........you can fiddle around with the CV adjusting screw and then road test the car.  Try to find a happy medium between a good positive shift and a smooth shift.  As a matter of fact the "try it and test it, try it and test it again" method is just what the Bentley suggests.

Mike
1970 AS Bug

Is this the adjustment you mean - http://www.volks.org/vwar/tecnical/adj_speed_engagement.php

I was just looking at that.  In mine, the gear engages almost instantly.  There is zero time delay between when I move the selector to the new gear and when it engages.  I don't think I even have to take my hand off the selector, but I'll have to check on the trip home to be sure.

[Cobey]

Well now, I finally had a moment to give the adjustment a try.  Gave it just about half a turn total and she shifts VERY smoothly now.  I will see what happens if I back it off a little, but after a 15 minutes trip with lots of stops and shifts, it seems a whole lot better.