72 beetle Left Side (3 & 4) Dead
 

I have ruled everything out to the best of my knowledge. I have ignition and compression (160 psig), but I do not know if I have fuel. I have taken the left intake off and checked for blockage. None found. I have taken valve cover off, and the valves move fine and are within clearance. An experienced mechanic has suggested a new carb (Solex 34PICT-3), but I do not understand. If the carb is sending fuel (and carb cleaner) to one side , why then does the other side not get fuel? It gets air. Why not fuel? It all comes from the same tube. Am I overlooking something about the valves?[:@]

RE: 72 beetle Left Side (3 & 4) Dead
 

Sounds like the only thing 3&4 are getting is air,The manifold
has a gasket where it fastens to the head, they will start leaking
and cause this problem. If your engine is the dual port head
type and has the intake with the rubber boots on it, check the
boots for holes. The carb does not need replaceing, if it's running
on one side then it's working, Check for air leaks and check for
vacuum lines off, some had a vacuum line going to a dash pot
on the driver's side ( left ) and a vacuum hose from the manifold
went to it. if the hose is off or leaking it will miss on 3&4.
As for the valves, be sure the two bolts that hold the rocker
arm set on is in good shape and not broken, then be sure the
valve adjustment is correct. The two bolts that hold the rocker
arms on was bad about breaking on earlier models.
Your problem is a air leak some where, hose, gasket, or
rubber boot not sealed.

RE: 72 beetle Left Side (3 & 4) Dead
 

Definately will check all of that out. I should report my results within three days. Thank you.

RE: 72 beetle Left Side (3 & 4) Dead
 

Replaced the intake gasket, and it fired right up....Actually, I love working on this engine, so I could not help taking the head off. I learned alot. I noticed that the oil cooler manifold was leaking, thereby spraying oil onto the engine and attracting dirt, thereby possibly causing it to overheat. Got ot all back together and moving on to the next step (bleeding brakes and replacing gearbox oil).

RE: 72 beetle Left Side (3 & 4) Dead
 

I take it replaceing the intake gasket repaired the miss problem.

RE: 72 beetle Left Side (3 & 4) Dead
 

Yes it did. Thank you for your suggestions. Please mark this as solved, or tell me how. Thanks again.