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beetleman217 Samba Member
Joined: April 03, 2011 Posts: 515 Location: Canada
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Posted: Wed May 18, 2011 6:23 am Post subject: Spare fuel system |
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Hi all,
I searched and searched but couldn't find info on the spare fuel system that was in up to 1961 bugs.
I recently bought a 1961 beetle, and want to restore it as original as possible. I understand 1962 was the first model year with a fuel gauge, and before that was a spare container and a manual tap. Iv'e see the tap in photos of splits and ovals.
But what about the rest of the system? What does it consist? A separate fuel tank? Where? Are there any diagrams or how-to's?
Please help! Thank you. |
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fluxcap Samba Member
Joined: February 07, 2006 Posts: 1969 Location: Newnan GA
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Posted: Wed May 18, 2011 6:39 am Post subject: |
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There is still only one gas tank, but the tap on the bottom has two different outlets. One outlet is tall and sits higher in the tank. When the fuel gets below this outlet, the car spits and sputters (or dies completetly). At that point you flip a lever and the shorter outlet opens and you get the "reserve" portion of gas that is in the bottom of the tank. It's really more just of a warning system to let you know you need to get to a gas station soon. The tap has a long rod that reaches into the cabin of the car and you use that to manually switch the tap.
_________________ Eric - 1966 camper bus
"It's like, how much more black could this be, and the answer is none.......none more black." |
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drscope Samba Member
Joined: February 19, 2007 Posts: 15273 Location: Baltimore, Maryland USA
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Posted: Wed May 18, 2011 6:41 am Post subject: |
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There is no spare tank.
The tap simply had 2 pick up tubes. One (the main pick up) was higher then the other (reserve pick up).
So as you drive along consuming fuel, it is feeding from the higher tube. When the level in the tank gets low, it can't reach the higher tube and you run out of gas.
Turn the lever and now it is feeding from the lower tube.
You just need to MAKE SURE when you fill the tank back up that you remember to turn the lever back to the main, or else next time you will be walking. _________________ Mother Nature is a Mean Evil Bitch! |
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HRVW Samba Member
Joined: May 01, 2011 Posts: 2531 Location: Rosarito, Mexico
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Posted: Wed May 18, 2011 10:43 am Post subject: |
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I have one of those old gas tank reserve valves somewhere in amongst all my misc parts. Hated throwing a good item away. They were reported to be safe for a 50 mile drive before needing gas. Steve |
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my59 Samba Member
Joined: August 13, 2003 Posts: 3790 Location: connecting the dots
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Posted: Wed May 18, 2011 11:01 am Post subject: |
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If the fuel tap in the car has not been used for a long time, it may start to leak if you try it out. The taps are rebuildable. If you go that route, now would be the time to pull the tank and flush out any crud that may be floating around in it, as well as replace the strainer in the tank. _________________ my59: Well son, my grandfather died before I got to drive it, so does that answer your question?
our79: sunroof bus w/camper interior and 2.0 FI
Other:'12 Jetta, '77 Benz 300D, and a 74 MG Midget. |
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drscope Samba Member
Joined: February 19, 2007 Posts: 15273 Location: Baltimore, Maryland USA
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Posted: Wed May 18, 2011 6:14 pm Post subject: |
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HRVW wrote: |
I have one of those old gas tank reserve valves somewhere in amongst all my misc parts. Hated throwing a good item away. They were reported to be safe for a 50 mile drive before needing gas. Steve |
I'm not so sure I would try pushing it to 50 miles. 30 maybe, but 50 is just pushing your luck. _________________ Mother Nature is a Mean Evil Bitch! |
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Eric&Barb Samba Member
Joined: September 19, 2004 Posts: 24732 Location: Olympia Wash Rinse & Repeat
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bill may Samba Member
Joined: August 27, 2003 Posts: 14160 Location: san diego,ca
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Posted: Thu May 19, 2011 5:20 am Post subject: |
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drscope wrote: |
HRVW wrote: |
I have one of those old gas tank reserve valves somewhere in amongst all my misc parts. Hated throwing a good item away. They were reported to be safe for a 50 mile drive before needing gas. Steve |
I'm not so sure I would try pushing it to 50 miles. 30 maybe, but 50 is just pushing your luck. |
1.6 gallons. how many miles can it get you? _________________ Admin note: Bill Passed away - July, 2017
1965 panel bus-Kermit
"Camping is cheaper than therapy"
www.sv2s.com
www.steeringboxscrapers.net
SBS #100
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=453617 |
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beetleman217 Samba Member
Joined: April 03, 2011 Posts: 515 Location: Canada
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Posted: Sun May 22, 2011 3:43 am Post subject: |
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Thanks guys for clearing that up. What in the world were they thinking back in the 60's? Nevertheless, it is an interesting system.
Does anyone have a picture of this module installed in a car? |
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Flavio Samba Member
Joined: May 14, 2008 Posts: 414 Location: Madeira Island, Portugal
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Posted: Sun May 22, 2011 7:29 am Post subject: |
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Hi
If you look at the bottom of the fuel tank of your 61 bug you'll find it.
Assuming that your car has a fuel tank, of course.
If you remove the left front wheel you'll see the fuel tank tap much better. |
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