Need help identifying something

[markpayton]

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.

[kpf]

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.
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1971 Super Beetle

[Cusser]

[markpayton]

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.

[Eric&Barb]