DAVE DAVIS's Page

It could be more than just the carb, of course.  The IDF is a very good carb once it is tuned in.

A couple more questions:

What size engine do you have?  Single or dual port heads?  The 44 should be reserved for large displacement Dual port engines...typically over 1914cc.  There is no particular advantage to a big carb on a small motor...actually quite the opposite.  Over carburation can wash the cylinders with fuel and cause significant engine damage in a short time.  If you have a stock cam, it will run rich no matter what you do.  If it is a small or stock engine with a stock cam, consider getting a stock sized carb...they aren't expensive and are much eaiser to maintain.

What kind of distributor? Does it have a big vacuum canister on it?  With a 44 IDF, you should not have a canister.  You need an 009 style centrifugal dizzy.

Have you checked the intake manifold to ensure there is no leaking (where it connects to the heads, and where the carb mounts?)  This is the culprit 8 out of 10 times...a vacuum leak here will make it impossible to set idle.

Have you checked the engine timing?  The type of Dizzy you have dictates how this is done:

With canister:  check at idle, 5 degrees behind top dead center

Without canister:  Check at 3000 rpm, 28-30 degrees BTDC

Are you using an electric fuel pump?  If so, ditch it and get a good mechanical pump.  Set to 3.5 PSI fuel output.  If you are in love with the Electric FP, get a pressure regulator and set to 3.5 PSI.  Typically they cost more than a mechanical fuel pump!

Take 30 minutes out of your day and set the adjust the valves.  It is painfully easy and just about anyone in the club can show you how to do it.  a snug .008 on a feeler guage is the correct setting.

Here is a link on the 44 IDF for jetting and setting up.  I would consider working the carb over once you are convinced all the other issues are sorted out and in good order.  I bet you have a manifold leak.

http://www.1800vw.bizhosting.com/tuneidfweber.htm