Car stops running randomly/ problems starting

[DirtyLilBaja]

Trying to troubleshoot these problems:

Car will start usually after the third try but I have to feather the gas just so...
The other problem is that whilst driving, usually at high rpm and/or speed the car shuts off (obviously not so great)

Thanks for the help!!

[Komissar]

1. Check for vacuum leaks. Get the car running (maybe with the help of a friend, to fiddle with the throttle) , and take a can of carb starter (of brake cleaning fluid or de-icer spray) and spray with it at the body of the carb, at the base of the carb where it meets the manifold, and at the ends of the manifolds where they meet the heads. If that changes in any way the behaviour of the engine (it revs up) than you have vacuum leaks in that spot. Replace the gaskets there and tighten things up.

2. Fuel lines and passages in the carburettor might be clogged up with dirt/rust/gunk. Also the jets might be clogged. Clean and check the fuel lines (and filter) starting with the fuel tank, also the line from the fuel pump to carb.
Take apart the carb and dip it for a day/night in carb cleaning solvent. (make sure you don't get into the solvent any plastic/rubber parts - they will melt) .

3. Make sure your electric idle jet works. You should listen to it when somebody turns on the ignition. If it's working you should hear a small click.
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1965 Sunroof Beetle
1972 Type 3 Squareback
1978 Skoda 105S

[DirtyLilBaja]

Thanks for the advice- I'll clean it then post results!

[drscope]

You didn't give much info to go on like year, engine, carbs, modifications, etc.

But it sounds like a fuel delivery problem. Start in the fuel tank and make sure it's clean. If you have an inline filter, replace it.

Check the oil and make sure the level isn't raising and that it doesn't smell like gas. A bad fuel pump diaphram pums fuel into the crankcase.

De pending on year, you can see into the tank with a flashlight. Water in the tank looks like little globs of geletan and it won't pass through the pick up screen
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Mother Nature is a Mean Evil Bitch!

[Cliff@BrownBags]

look at the fuel filter when it does it next time. it might be vapor lock
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its not about what you say you will do oneday, its what you do today that actualy means something.

[DirtyLilBaja]

Sorry, more info:
'66 1300cc, single carb, not many mods, have dual carbs and exhaust that will go on after I sort out the problems I'm experiencing right now

[drscope]

[otokoto]

hi there, i've been working on my Superbeetle for the past few days and no luck as of yet. I have a 1776 newly rebuilt with the original 34 pict carb and DVDA dizzy, newly rebuilt carb, new 130 mm mains and new idle jets too, it was running but not really smooth, hence I've been trying to tune the carb to run smooth in idling, but then it suddenly dies, noticed thet there was no fuel in the filter, took the hoses off From the pump and no fuel on both, 2 days after i bought a new pump and before i even install it, i primed it and starts, but then after it warmed up it dies and no fuel again going to the pump, replaced the pump with the new one and still no luck. Any advise you can throw would be appreciated, thanks

[HRVW]

To start with... a 1776 with a stock 34-3 carb will run like a dog...large main jet or not. 90.5 pistons need more gas and air for strong power. You need dual weber 40/44 carbs.

The 130 main will be about the best you can do with that car considering the limited air intake. As for idle use a 165 idle jet.

Not sure of your heads...041's work well.

As a VW mechanic (now retired) have a 1776cc blue printed, balanced Turbo set up in my 66 bug that puts out 200HP. The sound of the size sounds good if properly assembled whether for street or strip. Leave a major component out and the investment will leave a sour taste.

Now to the fuel pump. Do you have the correct fuel pump rod to match the fuel pump? Some people buy a newer Brazil or Mexico fuel pump that uses the shorter rod. I have 3-4 in my Snap on tool box to exchange when a customer had a problem coming to my shop. They would buy a new pump for the yr car/engine when the parts house guy never says anything about the rod.

Anyhing else I can help with ...just ask.
Steve

PS. I owned a a VW auto parts store and engine rebuilding business.













Check the fuel hose from the bottom of the tank and the hose out of the metal fuel line (maybe sucking air if dry).

[otokoto]