TheSamba.com :: View topic - 1972 Superbeetle hot start and dying issue

Thu Jul 10, 2025 7:39 pm

Got a 1972 superbeetle which is an ongoing project. 2 issues
First being, it struggles to hot start; fires right up when cold but anytime its hot i worry if its not going to start. I have to hold peddle to metal for probably 5-10 seconds anytime i need to start it when hot. Then it runs super rich for a couple minutes until the (which i assume) flooded engine is cleared out.
The choke is set properly and I think i have the air and fuel screws set good aswell.

Second issue is a new issue. (hot start problem been here for awhile)
While driving it, it seems to run and idle great but anytime im running high rpm for long(ish) amounts of time, when i come to a stop it dies. Example is, running 3k-3500 rpm for 10 minutes with no issues but then coming to a stop sign and when Im stopped with the clutch all the way in it dies; but if i catch it before it dies and give it some gas it'll be just fine.
I tried cleaning out the idle jet but it didnt help at all.

Thanks for any help that you can give!

Thu Jul 10, 2025 7:51 pm

Connor DeGeer wrote: I have to hold peddle to metal
Wait until I figure out what "peddle" means !

Thu Jul 10, 2025 8:14 pm

Connor DeGeer wrote: Got a 1972 superbeetle which is an ongoing project. 2 issues
First being, it struggles to hot start; fires right up when cold but anytime its hot i worry if its not going to start. I have to hold peddle to metal for probably 5-10 seconds anytime i need to start it when hot. Then it runs super rich for a couple minutes until the (which i assume) flooded engine is cleared out.
The choke is set properly and I think i have the air and fuel screws set good aswell.

Second issue is a new issue. (hot start problem been here for awhile)
While driving it, it seems to run and idle great but anytime im running high rpm for long(ish) amounts of time, when i come to a stop it dies. Example is, running 3k-3500 rpm for 10 minutes with no issues but then coming to a stop sign and when Im stopped with the clutch all the way in it dies; but if i catch it before it dies and give it some gas it'll be just fine.
I tried cleaning out the idle jet but it didnt help at all.

Thanks for any help that you can give! Hot engine lean syndrome. Electro mechanical fuel shut off valve tightness, intake boot looseness. Cracks in distributor hoses. Check that stuff and report back.

Wed Jul 30, 2025 6:13 pm

Completely forgot i had made this post lol.
Valves are good, intake is good, no cracks in the distributor.
It definitely runs a little hot, i believe that's a contributing factor.
I adjusted the timing a tad and it helped the dying issue, but it still gets extremely close to dying when coming to a stop. Has died on me a few times since.
I also adjusted the choke, and it helped the hot start issue a bit.
I'm going to try adjusting the carb some more tomorrow and see if it helps.
Could a vacuum leak somewhere along the intake cause an issue like this?

Wed Jul 30, 2025 6:41 pm

Connor DeGeer wrote: Completely forgot i had made this post lol.
Valves are good, intake is good, no cracks in the distributor.
It definitely runs a little hot, i believe that's a contributing factor.
I adjusted the timing a tad and it helped the dying issue, but it still gets extremely close to dying when coming to a stop. Has died on me a few times since.
I also adjusted the choke, and it helped the hot start issue a bit.
I'm going to try adjusting the carb some more tomorrow and see if it helps.
Could a vacuum leak somewhere along the intake cause an issue like this? You said "adjusted the timing a tad". Adjust the timing correctly and leave it alone.

Mon Aug 11, 2025 8:10 pm

When the engine gets too hot and you turn it off,fuel boils over in the carb and floods the intake manifold. Flooring it allows air to clear it out. A double gasket could help keep the carb cool. Check the fuel lines are away from heat.
Make sure all the seals are in place. Are you getting enough air flow? Dying at a stop light is another indicator it's getting hot. Address the overheating issue.

Wed Aug 13, 2025 5:04 pm

You may have a couple of issues.

One thing to remember is that a hot engine tends to want a leaner condition for restarting. There are dirt bikes that have what is called a hot start device. It is actually a plunger that you pull out to allow extra air into the mixture for hot starting. When you push the throttle pedal to the floor, it does the same thing. Except in your case, when you do it, you also give it a squirt of fuel from the accelerator pump. That's is why it restarts rich initially, but you are doing the right thing. So your jetting might be a tad rich.

The dying when coming to a stop "could" be caused by a high float level. This can allow fuel to slosh out of the bowl into venturi. something to check.

What makes you think that the engine is running HOT, and not just at a high "normal" operating temp.