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markpayton Samba Member
Joined: January 15, 2023 Posts: 8 Location: NH, USA
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Posted: Fri Oct 18, 2024 11:56 am Post subject: Need help identifying something |
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This thing sits both between the fuel line coming into the engine compartment and the fuel pump, and between the fuel pump and the carburetor. The horizontal lines are input to the fuel pump. I took the distributor cap off to make the photo easier, but it sits right behind the distributor.
My first thought was a fuel filter, but then why are lines connected both to and from the pump?
I am trying to figure out why my engine fires/starts when the starter motor is running but dies as soon as I let the key go back to running position. I've search many of the threads on this subject here, tho I have many more to go, but thought I would try to eliminate this piece as something blocking adequate fuel. If it is a fuel filter I figured I could pull it. I tried that, but the problem persisted, so I put it back in, but decided I should know what it is regardless.
The car is a 71 Super Beetle, but the engine is a rebuilt 1500 from 1968 as best I can tell from the number.
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kpf Samba Member

Joined: March 01, 2017 Posts: 1058 Location: California, US
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Posted: Fri Oct 18, 2024 1:40 pm Post subject: Re: Need help identifying something |
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That is a pressure valve (maybe not the right name for it...). It's job is to prevent fuel from flowing into the carburetor due to gravity alone, such as might happen if, for example, you park the car facing up hill. Most people do not use one.
Your symptom sounds like it may be related to the ignition switch. You may not have power to the ignition in the "run" position; only in the "start" position. Verify with a volt meter. _________________ 1971 Super Beetle |
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Cusser Samba Member

Joined: October 02, 2006 Posts: 32978 Location: Hot Arizona
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Posted: Fri Oct 18, 2024 2:01 pm Post subject: Re: Need help identifying something |
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markpayton wrote: |
I am trying to figure out why my engine fires/starts when the starter motor is running but dies as soon as I let the key go back to running position. |
Agree, also seems to be a bad electrical contact issue in the electrical part of the ignition switch.
By the way, I have replaced the electrical part of the ignition switch on both my 1970 and 1971 VWs, both over 30 years ago. _________________ 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 |
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markpayton Samba Member
Joined: January 15, 2023 Posts: 8 Location: NH, USA
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Posted: Sat Oct 19, 2024 5:45 pm Post subject: Re: Need help identifying something |
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Thanks, guys. I came to that same conclusion today as I was working on things. I was able to keep the car running by holding the key slightly toward the starting position, but before the starter engages. As soon as I let it return to its preferred spot, it died.
I'm working on taking the ignition switch out but haven't been able to locate a video showing the process or even a decent set of instructions so far. I've got the steering wheel off and the key cylinder out so far. I ran out of time today, so I hope to get back at it tomorrow afternoon.
Thanks, too, for the identification of the part. If it isn't necessary, I may take it out since that is a lot fewer possible places for gas to leak in the engine compartment. |
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Eric&Barb Samba Member

Joined: September 19, 2004 Posts: 25862 Location: Olympia Wash Rinse & Repeat
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Posted: Sat Oct 19, 2024 7:42 pm Post subject: Re: Need help identifying something |
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kpf wrote: |
That is a pressure valve (maybe not the right name for it...). It's job is to prevent fuel from flowing into the carburetor due to gravity alone, such as might happen if, for example, you park the car facing up hill. Most people do not use one. |
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?p=9276617&highlight=#9276617 _________________ In Stereo, Where Available! |
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