Gas in oil parking on a slope.

[Betsy1965]

Hi folks!

So, I've been finding gas in my oil. Checked and changed the fuel pump so I'm 100% certain that's not the issue.

I've read about parking the beetle on a incline with the fuel tank higher than the engine. Well, when I park on my drive that's the case. So I' thought I would check and take the air filter off when I pull onto the drive after going out for a spin. Yeap I see fuel what I would describe leaking down inside the carb.

I've taken the top of the carb off and the float isn't cracked or full of fuel.

Is this common? and am I just going to have to reverse on the drive in the future?

[Q-Dog]

Gas in oil is almost never the fuel pump, although it is almost always the first thing someone throws out there.

I would check to see if fuel level in the carb is within spec. (that info should be in your service manual) And if you have no choice but to park on the incline, try lowering the fuel level in the float bowl just a little and see if it helps.
_________________
Brian

'69 Dune Buggy
'69 Beetle Convertible
'70 Beetle

[Danwvw]

For some reason the 1500 based engines did this. With the PICT 30 series carbs.
Theoretically the fuel pump should stop fuel as well as the carburetor needle valve. Unfortunately the new fuel pumps don't stop gas so the needle valve must do the trick. If the float is against the side of the carb it may not shut off the needle valve. Not sure but I think the original 40 horse fuel pump would shut off the fuel if you have a 40 horse. I would try a new needle valve and see if the float is floating and loose in the bowl. Still sometimes it can happen so that is why there were fuel shutoff valves on some cars. BUGPACK Fuel Shut Off Valve Price: 19.99,
Fuel Check Valve Price: $29,
I made my own.
Is this still in the system? Maybe it's failed or is backwards.

_________________
1960 Beetle And 1679cc DP W-100 & Dual Zeniths!

[KTPhil]

Check this thread:
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=660036

Certain years/pump/carb setups required an anti-siphon valve, which POs often removed, not understanding their purpose. Both Bugs and T3s had them from the factory at one time. Different styles, but something like this one:

Maybe your setup could use one?

[Eric&Barb]

Other cause might be that the fuel trapped between the fuel pump and carb is turning to vapor, this causes little bubbles of this stuck to the sides of the hose to take up more room in the fuel line. Which in turn causes more than enough pressure to push the fuel in that hose up opening the float valve by pushing the float downward, and into the carb float chamber where it over flows down the carb throat.

Had same problem with our 1960 walk thru panel camper conversion in weather over 80F. Would go to start the engine after a short stop and it would be flooded. Added a second gasket to the float shut off valve and have not had a problem for many years since.
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In Stereo, Where Available!

[KTPhil]

Just one note on this... many of us have seen the crappy quality of replacement float valves, and usually re-use the original after cleaning. So if you delve into the carb, never toss your original!

[bluebus86]

my 1958 with stock 36hp motor filled the crankcase, sunk float was the culprit. was on steep hill facing up direction.
test your float in hot water, just below boiling point, force the float under the hot water, fr minute or so to see if it starts to bubble out vapor, if so, float is shot. cold water will not be effective. you want hot water to cause the liquid fuel inside float to turn to vapour, so it will be forced out of the leak with bubbles. cold water wont work.

if float is sound, check he float valve for leaky sealing

when ever float, float valve, is replaced, float bowl level must be checked and adjusted as needed. note that even different carb top gasket thickness will effect float level.

Bug On!
_________________
Help Prevent VW Engine Fires, see this link.....Engine safety wire information

Stop introducing dirt into your oil when adjusting valves ... https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=683022

[Zundfolge1432]

This might work for a brass float but plastic may melt. The solid black floats pick up fuel as they age and become heavier rendering them useless. Good luck to

[bluebus86]

[Betsy1965]

I've not got the "anti syphon" part in place yet...that was my next move although the issue happened before I had this new pump.

I'll try the float test as well but there is no obvious damage visible.

Thanks for all your help.

[bluebus86]

[charithjg]

Hi guys,

I am from Sri Lanka and VW Beetle 1300 (1971) is my daily drive.

I also noticed petrol leak from the carb when parked nose up.


My mechanic tried his best by lowering the floater, replaced a new needle.

But unfortunately the problems is still the same.

Can someone please advise what to do ?

If petrol leaks like this, will I loose the whole petrol from the Petrol Tank?

[Eric&Barb]

[charithjg]

Hi Eric&Barb,

I manage to park the car on flat lands since unable to park when the nose is up.
Have spoken to old mechanics in the country who have the specialty of repairing the Air Cooled VWs. Some told that's normal in Solex 31 Carb, one told me to replace the Fuel Pump, another one told me dismantle the mechanical pump and install an Electric Fuel Pump which will stop leaking while parked etc.

I am confused and bit worried.

Please advise what best can be done and normally, what's the pressure to be maintained in a mechanical fuel pump ?

Thank you.

[Eric&Barb]