Loss of power above 15 MPH

[longbeachbeetle]

During a recent drive in my 1975 Super Beetle, everything seemed fine. However, upon returning from a 2 hour stop, I noticed a significant reduction in power, struggling to go beyond 20 MPH. This was a new experience for me, and I couldn't help but wonder what could be causing it. It's worth noting that there has been heavy rain recently, although not on the day of the issue.

Sometimes, the car hesitates when the engine is cold, and this feels the same. However, the difference between hesitation and this is that I couldn't get the car above 20 mph. I am new to VW ownership. I've done some electric (rear lights were wired incorrectly and had the wrong lights for the year). The car starts fine.

I checked the oil on the way home and noticed a strong fuel smell and greenish(?) foam on the oil cap.

After some consideration, I'm leaning toward the fuel pump not pumping enough fuel as the potential culprit. The air intake is relatively new, and I could spray the carb and check for rust in the fuel tank. However, I'm not sure where to start. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Where would you start?

[busdaddy]

Welcome!

[bsairhead]

Dry your cap

[longbeachbeetle]

Cap is dry, I think it was made in 74 and sold in 75, apologize for the confusion. Def a carb.

Any other thoughts? Fuel delivery or something else?

[Cusser]

Try loosening the gas cap when this happens next, to investigate a gas tank venting issue.

Ask me how I know this !!!
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1970 VW (owned since 1972) and 1971 VW Convertible (owned since 1976), second owner of each. The '71 now has the 1835 engine, swapped from the '70. Second owner of each. 1988 Mazda B2200 truck, 1998 Frontier, 2014 Yukon, 2004 Frontier King Cab. All manual transmission except for the Yukon. http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/album_page.php?pic_id=335294 http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/album_page.php?pic_id=335297

[Eric&Barb]

Would start with a full tuneup to get those potential problems out of the mix. Also check that the distributor is advancing. Some distributors have a felt wick under the rotor for adding a drop or two of oil and if no oil has been added it could rust up locking the advance. Even if a distributor does not have the oiling feature the old time factory grease used in it, will turn into more of a non-lubricating stiff putty.
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In Stereo, Where Available!

[Eric&Barb]

As for the fuel smell in the oil would check the fuel pump to see if it is leaking.

If not that, then it could be your fuel shut valve or the float in the carb is the problem. Do beware new manufactured shut off valve and float parts made today are not of good quality, so good original German parts are best. Too much fuel going down the carb will cause power loss, fuel in the oil, and washes the piston rings clean of lubricating oil, wearing them out real soon resulting in loss of compression.
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In Stereo, Where Available!