Engine Doesn't Turn Over After Turned Off for 45 Min or So

[panpan388]

I am hoping somebody can shed some light on my most recent problem. I have a 1300cc stock engine. Last winter, I had the valves redone in the heads and put new rings in. I have probably put about 500 miles on it so far this year with no problems. Actually, it starts up right away when it has been sitting for awhile and cold. If I go to the store and then start it up after a few moments, I need to put the throttle on the whole way and crank it for 5 or so seconds until it spits and sputters and then it comes around. Also a fuel smell comes with that. I know I need to adjust the carb, but my major problem just started last weekend. After driving for an hour or so, I stopped at a friends house. (I was parked on a slight uphill grade). After being there for about 45 minutes, I went to start it and it just went "puh" and did not turn over, as if it were a dead battery. The battery is also new since May. I tried to drift start it in reverse but the wheel were locked, like it had too much compression. So, we ended up jumping it with my friends car and it started right away. So I figured I would carry my battery pack with me the next time. After I got home, I turned it off and restarted it right away. Two hours later, I did the same thing with success. I measured the battery and was getting 13.9V at about 1500 rpm. Well, today I was driving for about and hour or so and ended up at my parents. (I was also parked on an uphill grade) (I really don't know if this matters, but it was something common between the two times it happened). After an hour and a half, I went to start it and once again, it seemed like the battery was dead. I hooked up my fully charged battery pack, and nothing. So I tried drifting it in reverse again and it still seemed like it was locked up. We pushed it over to the downhill and I tried to drift start it in 2nd. At first, the wheel locked, but then I let it get up some more speed and then it broke free and turned the motor over. Somebody mentioned that they saw some stuff spray out of the exhaust. Could this be fuel? Somebody suggested that I might be getting fuel down in the cylinders? Would this react like that? The only other idea I have is that the rings are seizing onto the cylinder?? Any ideas? Thanks.

[MMW]

Yes the cylinders can be filling with fuel & hydro locking the engine. This is not a good thing. When parking on an uphill grade if the tank is higher than the carbs it can easily syphon fuel past a worn fuel pump & overflow the carb bowls to the point it leaks down into the cylinders. When you go to start it the fuel cannot compress & it hydro locks.

If this is what is happening then you are very lucky you didn't break the motor by trying to start it or bump start it. Next time it happens pull the plugs & crank it over to see if fuel spits out the holes. I recommend disconnecting the coil so no spark happens to ignite the fuel.
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Mic
1959 356 coupe
Missing the original engine 72488
Update - third pc. found!
Now just need the case halves.
1965 fenderless beetle

[Aussiebug]

Hydro lock is a possibility. After driving the car then letting it sit facing up hill, try removing the carb top and looking at the fuel level - it should be about 10mmm below the top of the float bowl. If it's full, replace the needle valve in the top of the carb and see if that fixes it.

I'm also wondering about your earth strap under the tranny nose cone, since it will SOMETIMES start with a jumper pack. Remove, clean connections and reinstall (replace if it's at all corroded). Same with battery terminals and the battery-earth strap. Poor earths cause a lot of problems in old bugs, and that strap carries all the current from the starter back to the battery.

Clutch starting in reverse or first is difficult - the gearing is too low. Much easier in 2nd or 3rd if possible (car facing downhill or on the flat).

13.9v with the engine running is OK - a little higher would be better as below 14v you need more than stop start runs to charge the battery in a short time. A bad earth connection can cause low voltage too (another reaon to check the tranny strap etc).
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Rob
Rob and Dave's aircooled VW pages
Repairs and maintenance for the home mechanic
http://www.vw-resource.com

[CPO_05]

Carb lock. Had a 64 that did this when I parked on a hill. When it finally turned over it shot gas out t he pipes. I parked it facing down hill as a temp fix until I could rebuild the carb.
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1967 Kombi
1959 Bug

[jzjames]

Sounds like the needle shutoff valve in the carb may not be doing it's job, and letting fuel overrun everything. I'd take a look at that and maybe it can be cured with some thicker washer under the needle valve ... or a better needle valve...?

[Eric&Barb]

Lots of reports of bad new shut off valves. Personally have never needed to replace an OG one, but have had to add second gasket to get it to shut off in warmer weather.
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In Stereo, Where Available!

[panpan388]

Thank you for the replies. I have access to a spare carb that I am going to try first. I am glad that the main response is something with the carb and not the bottom end. I will post an update with what I found.

[Eric&Barb]

Please keep us all updated on how it goes!
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In Stereo, Where Available!

[Cusser]

[KTPhil]

There was an anti-siphon valve fitted to some Type 1 and 3 engines that may keep this from happening again.

http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=568271

Early Bug style:

Type 3 style for sale in the classifieds now:

[OLD VW NUT]

A good needle valve will prevent this. All fuel pumps - good or bad ones - will happily pass fuel via gravity. The needle valve assembly is there to prevent flooding and possible hydraulic locking of the motor - a severe hydraulic lock can bend rods.

If you can't find a needle valve replacement that prevents this park with the car on level pavement or nose downhill.
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71 Ghia Coupe - stock body - no rust! Powered by a 2110 W/Dual HPMX 44's - Rancho Pro Street Transaxle - A/C by Gilmore

Other car - 2013 VW Golf TDI

[diablosandwich]

I saw this on ebay the other day . http://www.ebay.com/itm/371020046177?_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT
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1966 Java Greens