Spare fuel system

[beetleman217]

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.

[fluxcap]

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."

[drscope]

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.
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Mother Nature is a Mean Evil Bitch!

[HRVW]

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

[my59]

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.
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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.

[drscope]

[Eric&Barb]

Better get this manual ASAP:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0837603900/ref=s9...d_i=507846
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In Stereo, Where Available!

[bill may]

[beetleman217]

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?

[Flavio]

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.