New owner! Having some issues..., lorem ipsum porschum boxum Options

[detective_snakes]

Hi! I'm detective snakes, and I'm grateful to be a new member here!
I've come into possession of a 1970 914/4. Unsure of the finer details, but... I've run into a few roadblocks. I figured I should ask here just in case some of these problems are fairly common. If you don't mind my inquiry...

- The car was running the last time it was driven, around 6-8 years ago. I've replaced the battery (yes there is a rather small hell hole (IMG:style_emoticons/default/sad.gif) ), but nothing else has been done to the car. I did put around a gallon of new gas into the tank.

- Turns over, won't start. I'm fairly certain this is the fuel pump! I don't hear the whirring when I leave the key turned at idle. But I'm unsure of the specs of this engine, and I'm not sure whether or not this even has an electric pump.

- Shifter feels like it isn't connected... maybe linkage? But I don't know why a working car would randomly have it's shifter just do nothing.

When I turn the key, both the alternator light and oil light come on, but I'm guessing those always turn on when the key is turned before the engine is started.

As for the engine this car has... I'm unsure. It has a twin carburetor setup where they stick out high in the engine compartment, but that's all I know.

I'd be glad to provide any more pictures of the car (IMG:style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif)
I appreciate any answers given, this is my first real project car!

[PaIsa]

I am a fairly new owner here as well. I would support the advice of getting the Tech Tips from Dr914. Had it for a month now a was able to solve a few small issues with it. Haynes manual seems to be a must as well. I have yet to source one, but will be on my list for my next order.

For your issues, I have not enough experience on what should be done, but you got good information from a few but I guess that changing oil in the engine and I would also change it in the transmission, change plug, verify the distributor, cables, etc. for ignition (spark) and for the fuel system, verify that the pump is actually working and I would install a pressure gauge on the fuel delivery (just before the split for the carb) to help in troubleshooting. Mine is running at around 3 psi.

For the carbs, I would take them out and fully dismantle, clean and reinstall. I have done this lately on our car and it made an incredible difference.

For the oil & alternator lights: yes they light up with ignition ON and hopefully go out with the engine running and reved up a bit. If Alternator light stays on, check your strap (ask me how I know!). If oil light stays on, then it is a bigger problem. All this is assuming you have been able to get the engine to start and run.

Good luck.