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colonel biggs Samba Member
Joined: June 16, 2024 Posts: 57 Location: Madison, NJ
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Posted: Tue Dec 17, 2024 12:47 pm Post subject: '66 Beetle - '70 Engine: Fuel Flow from Carb |
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Amazon has a 5/16" (8 mm) fuel injection clamp; outside diameter is 13-15 mm. The id of WW's fuel hose is 8mm. Seems like this might work?
Again, I'm not at the car to experiment.
Thanks for the detailed description of the filter setup. Near the trans seems ideal. |
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zerotofifty Samba Member
Joined: December 27, 2003 Posts: 3093
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Posted: Tue Dec 17, 2024 12:00 pm Post subject: Re: '66 Beetle - '70 Engine: Fuel Flow from Carb |
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Cusser wrote: |
zerotofifty wrote: |
VW has a mesh fuel filter sock inside the fuel tank. It is a course filter. |
My 1970 did NOT have an in-tank filter; I bought this in 1972 and took the tank out in 2016, had no in-tank filter. So I bought one and added it. |
Yikes, didnt know that. Thanks!
I wonder when the factory eliminated the in tank filter, anyone know? My 61 has it, the 61 also has the reserve fuel tap. I think the reserve lever was eliminated when the Bug got a gas gage in 62???? I wonder when the filter went away??? |
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Cusser Samba Member

Joined: October 02, 2006 Posts: 32481 Location: Hot Arizona
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Posted: Tue Dec 17, 2024 11:52 am Post subject: Re: '66 Beetle - '70 Engine: Fuel Flow from Carb |
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zerotofifty wrote: |
VW has a mesh fuel filter sock inside the fuel tank. It is a course filter. |
My 1970 did NOT have an in-tank filter; I bought this in 1972 and took the tank out in 2016, had no in-tank filter. So I bought one and added it. _________________ 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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zerotofifty Samba Member
Joined: December 27, 2003 Posts: 3093
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Posted: Tue Dec 17, 2024 11:36 am Post subject: Re: '66 Beetle - '70 Engine: Fuel Flow from Carb |
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VW has a mesh fuel filter sock inside the fuel tank. It is a course filter.
Add on filters need to be fire safe of course.
One issue is cheapo plastic body filters, some may crack, and spill fuel. The plastic can also melt or be weakened by heat. I prefer the metal body filters, sure you cant see inside, but they are unlikely to crack open. Just about every modern car has a non see through filter. So see thru is not a huge benefit, specialy with routine replacement. A larger filter will extend filter life.
Of course maintaining good fuel in the tank is important too Maintaining the tank means keeping dirt and water out (water makes rust) Keeping the tank topped off helps reduce water ingress do to thermal cycling day and night in a humid environment. a full tank simply has less volume of air, so less humid air can enter. Occasional use of a fuel dryer additive can remove water that has accumulated too. Only use a fresh bottle of fuel dryer, as once open the bottle of fuel dryer will start absorbing moisture. Very old plastic bottles, even if never opened can swell, that is because they has absorbed water!!!
For filters, one additional concern is mounting, the larger metal filters are heavy, and if left to dangle on a long run of hose can bounce around and come loose of the hose, tear the hose. a hose clamps can be used to mount them, the hose clamp being attached to a ridged part of the car.
If a filter leaks one of the worst places for that to happen is near an ignition source, cause that means FIRE!!!! Sources of ignition are oft found int he engine bay. The distributor has high voltage arcing happening thousands of times per minute. The generator and regulator also has electric arcs occurring. The engine bay is also very hot, not good for plastic filters, the intake manifold heat pipe can melt the plastic, it gets HOT!!!
Many folks do mount a filter near the distributor, that is ok, till it leaks, then kaboom!!! dont be the guy or gal. Some folks get away with it for decades, but why risk it?
One of the preferred places to mount a filter is near the transmission above the left rear axle area. The metal fuel line exits the chassis there, going into a rubber hose to the metal line that enters the front of the engine bay. So mount the filter there.
It is fairly easy to access there, there is no ignition source there. No heat source there either. folks will use the tiny light filters there without a mounting bracket, but if you choose a heavy larger filter it should be placed in a bracket, perhaps attached to the top of the frame horn, a large hose clamp can be used for this. or even zip tied to the clutch bowden tube (not the clutch cable!!!)
Besure to replace worn or very old fuel hoses. Modern new fuel resisting hoses are preferred these days, as some new fuel formulations can attacked the older types of hoses. Look for lined hoses for best life. Although VW did not use hose clamps on some hoses, I prefer to do so Use solid band type clamps rather that the clamps with perforated bands as the rubber hose can extrude thru the perforations thus loosening the clamping over time. The solid band types are oft sold as "fuel injection" type clamps make sure the clamps are sized for your diameter hoses. The old Bugs use a fairly small diameter hose. Too large a clamp will perform poorly, may not snug down well. The OUTSIDE diameter of VW Bug hoses can be less than 3/8 inch. Note that clamps may be labled for either outside or inside diameter of the hoses, so open the box to confirm the clamp fits your hose A hose clamp for a 3/8 inch inside diameter hose will be much much too large for your Bug
For correct fit, the hoses should be a tight stretch fit over the metal pipes. I have seen folks too big diameter hoses and compensate with a tight clamps, but that aint good, buy the right sized tight fit hose. 1/4 inch inside dia. hoses are TOO BIG!!!
Me, well I gots a metal filter mounted near the transmission on my Bugs. No plastic filters in the engine bay.
Last edited by zerotofifty on Tue Dec 17, 2024 11:58 am; edited 1 time in total |
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colonel biggs Samba Member
Joined: June 16, 2024 Posts: 57 Location: Madison, NJ
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Posted: Sat Dec 14, 2024 8:55 am Post subject: Re: '66 Beetle - '70 Engine: Fuel Flow from Carb |
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One element left out of the fuel line location discussion has been the placement of fuel filters. Zerotofifty shows how close to the fuel pump his fuel line comes, if it is directly connected. Is the fuel filter still in the engine compartment? Somewhere between the clamp and maybe in front of the distributor?
I have read here where VW placed the fuel filter up front (under the tank?). An inconvenient location, but no doubt much safer. |
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tasb  The Distributor Distributor
Joined: April 27, 2002 Posts: 6515 Location: Pentwater, Michigan
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Posted: Thu Dec 12, 2024 4:43 pm Post subject: Re: '66 Beetle - '70 Engine: Fuel Flow from Carb |
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I have always assumed that the three wire fan shroud clamp was for holding the distributor to coil plug wire in place, no? _________________ Roads Scholar &
1957 Kombi low mileage 36 hp governor equipped M 178 Slow Drag Winner 2014, 2015, 2018
1965 hardtop Deluxe Microbus owned since 1990 M 620 factory 12 v 1500cc
1961 (October)Single Cab- Road Trip Workhorse
Member# 2059 |
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Cusser Samba Member

Joined: October 02, 2006 Posts: 32481 Location: Hot Arizona
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rcooled Samba Member

Joined: September 20, 2008 Posts: 2660 Location: Santa Cruz, CA
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Posted: Thu Dec 12, 2024 12:38 pm Post subject: Re: '66 Beetle - '70 Engine: Fuel Flow from Carb |
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zerotofifty wrote: |
Furthermore, make sure the fuel pipe has a rubber grommet to protect it where it passes thru the front sheet metal... |
colonel biggs wrote: |
Can I presume that the hole is readily accessible? |
tasb wrote: |
The necessary grommet is easily installed as long as the fuel line has been removed or at least free at one end. |
Instead of a rubber fuel line grommet, I use these 1/4" ID lamp cord feedthrus which are available anywhere lamp parts are sold. They're hard plastic, not rubber, and can't be easily cut by the thin edge of the sheetmetal hole like rubber can.
colonel biggs wrote: |
When I remount the carb to test the fuel pump, is it desirable to place some gasoline in the now empty carb bowl first? |
Not a bad idea to do this. You can just put some gas in a small squeeze bottle and squirt it into the vent tube in the carb throat. Just a little (about 1 oz.) will be enough to get the motor going and start the fuel flowing from the pump. _________________ '63 Ragtop (current)
'65 Ghia coupe (totaled)
'67 Ghia convertible (current)
'69.5 Ghia convertible and
'62, '63, '65, '69 Bugs (all long gone) |
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Cusser Samba Member

Joined: October 02, 2006 Posts: 32481 Location: Hot Arizona
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KTPhil  Samba Member

Joined: April 06, 2006 Posts: 35311 Location: Conejo Valley, CA
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Posted: Thu Dec 12, 2024 9:31 am Post subject: Re: '66 Beetle - '70 Engine: Fuel Flow from Carb |
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Yes, that hole is for the same plastic SP lead holder as you have on the right. In this photo I hadn't finalized the bends in the line to let it naturally stay at the clip, but you get the idea.
No separate hole is needed for the stock clamp; it uses the same screw that holds the ends of the shroud to the upper cylinder/head tins. You can see the two welded-in nuts in this shroud pic:
... as shown in this pic posted above:
_________________ Current Fleet:
- '71 Fastback
- '69 Westfalia
Retired:
- '67 Beetle
- '65 Beetle (x2)
- '65 Bus
- '71 Squareback |
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colonel biggs Samba Member
Joined: June 16, 2024 Posts: 57 Location: Madison, NJ
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Posted: Thu Dec 12, 2024 9:27 am Post subject: Re: '66 Beetle - '70 Engine: Fuel Flow from Carb |
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KTPhil - Is the hole to which you referred the hole shown in front of the spark plug wires in the last photo that I posted? I have a 2-wire clip in that position on the right side. When I was looking for a hole to the left side heater box in order to run a pre-heater hose up to the air cleaner, I wondered what that hole was for. (Never found a hole for a pre-heater hose.)
If the fan shroud is an original (I am not at the car), I suppose that there would be a screw hole where the fuel line clamp was originally mounted.
I have used spring clamps for securing the fuel line hoses to the filter, pump, and to the carburetor. I notice that some are using crimp-type clamps. I saw on Amazon that there are also T-bolt clamps that use an 8 mm nut for tightening/untightening, as one might use on a fuel injection line. Any thoughts on this subject? |
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KTPhil  Samba Member

Joined: April 06, 2006 Posts: 35311 Location: Conejo Valley, CA
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Posted: Thu Dec 12, 2024 8:45 am Post subject: Re: '66 Beetle - '70 Engine: Fuel Flow from Carb |
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I used a 3-wire clip instead of a 2-wire (the clip that holds the spark plug leads) at the left end of the fan shroud face. I see you have a hole where the normal clip would go.. I put the fuel line in the center position. I did this instead of the stock clip on the side of the shroud because I didn't know any better. It's working just fine, though. _________________ Current Fleet:
- '71 Fastback
- '69 Westfalia
Retired:
- '67 Beetle
- '65 Beetle (x2)
- '65 Bus
- '71 Squareback |
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tasb  The Distributor Distributor
Joined: April 27, 2002 Posts: 6515 Location: Pentwater, Michigan
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Posted: Wed Dec 11, 2024 10:11 pm Post subject: Re: '66 Beetle - '70 Engine: Fuel Flow from Carb |
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The fuel line will not break or crack as long as you don't try something like a 90 degree bend. The WW fuel line clip looks original to me...
The clip you are referencing IS the one that mounts on the side of the fan shroud.
A new 6mm fuel line with the correct bends is less than $11 on their website.
The fuel line runs inside the tunnel of your Beetle and exits the rear of the floor pan in front of the transmission.
The necessary grommet is easily installed as long as the fuel line has been removed or at least free at one end. _________________ Roads Scholar &
1957 Kombi low mileage 36 hp governor equipped M 178 Slow Drag Winner 2014, 2015, 2018
1965 hardtop Deluxe Microbus owned since 1990 M 620 factory 12 v 1500cc
1961 (October)Single Cab- Road Trip Workhorse
Member# 2059 |
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colonel biggs Samba Member
Joined: June 16, 2024 Posts: 57 Location: Madison, NJ
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Posted: Wed Dec 11, 2024 11:34 am Post subject: '66 Beetle - '70 Engine: Fuel Flow from Carb |
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TASB - thanks for your posts. While browsing WW, I see they have the fuel line clamp for $2.85. Not an original, but the price is right.
I see from your photo how my fuel line should be routed. I suppose if I bend same, and it cracks or splits, I can always cut it at that point and attach a braided fuel line from there to the pump. Better to route the line away from the heat, and risk a crack, than to leave it unattended.
Did you use a clamp on the side of your fan housing to secure the line? Mine is way out of line, and I'm not sure that I will be able to bend it now that sharply. Where is the next junction heading toward the front of the car - under the rear seat?
WW sells a grommet for the firewall entry for a 6 mm line and an 8 mm line. I supposes the 6 mm version would be the one that I would use. Can I presume that the hole is readily accessible?
Thanks for your thoughts! |
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tasb  The Distributor Distributor
Joined: April 27, 2002 Posts: 6515 Location: Pentwater, Michigan
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Posted: Tue Dec 10, 2024 7:45 pm Post subject: Re: '66 Beetle - '70 Engine: Fuel Flow from Carb |
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The fuel line in your image is mis-routed. It should run above the intake manifold all the way to the fuel pump. The original Bus lines had a steel line all the way to the pump which had a female threaded end on the pump. there was also a steel line that ran between the pump and carburetor with soft lines at each end.
The lines are flexible enough to be bent to fit but yours is likely too far out of shape.
_________________ Roads Scholar &
1957 Kombi low mileage 36 hp governor equipped M 178 Slow Drag Winner 2014, 2015, 2018
1965 hardtop Deluxe Microbus owned since 1990 M 620 factory 12 v 1500cc
1961 (October)Single Cab- Road Trip Workhorse
Member# 2059 |
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colonel biggs Samba Member
Joined: June 16, 2024 Posts: 57 Location: Madison, NJ
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Posted: Sat Dec 07, 2024 11:23 am Post subject: Re: '66 Beetle - '70 Engine: Fuel Flow from Carb |
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Rich -- thanks for your photo. When I look at my photo at the beginning of this thread, a previous owner had used a wider wrap around at some point, whereas you wrap the fuel line shortly after the clamp. In this second photo of my daughter's engine compartment, you will see that the fuel line is slanted upward to the fuel pump nipple, which indicates that there is not a total gravity direction down to the pump. Yours must curve in front of the distributor and then head down toward the pump, staying clear of the heat riser tube?
I trust that the steel fuel line will have some flexibility that will permit me to re-route the line without any cracking when I am next at the car. Or, is this wishful thinking?
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richparker Samba Member

Joined: November 24, 2011 Posts: 7371 Location: Durango, CO
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colonel biggs Samba Member
Joined: June 16, 2024 Posts: 57 Location: Madison, NJ
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Posted: Fri Dec 06, 2024 10:42 am Post subject: '66 Beetle - '70 Engine: Fuel Flow from Carb |
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Was the steel fuel line to the pump originally used, or have some restorers added a copper line to the steel for "show"' purposes? Is there a drawing that shows how the steel line should be routed to the pump? Regardless, it appears that the soft line must still be used (1966 on?) to connect the steel line to the nipple on the pump.
I will have to check for the grommet and clamp the next time that I am in Mass. |
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wcfvw69 Samba Purist

Joined: June 10, 2004 Posts: 13636 Location: Arizona
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Posted: Fri Dec 06, 2024 5:29 am Post subject: Re: '66 Beetle - '70 Engine: Fuel Flow from Carb |
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That clip is missing on the vast amount of VW's on the road today. Thus, when folks are still using the steel fuel line to the pump, it can lay on or against something hot causing a vapor lock for the pump. _________________ Contact me at [email protected]
Follow me on instagram @sparxwerksllc
40+ years of VW repair, and VW parts and vehicle restoration experience.
The Samba member since 2004.
**Now rebuilding throttle bodies for VW's and Porsche's**
**Restored German Bosch distributors for sale or I can restore yours**
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**Restored Porsche distributors or I can restore yours** |
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tasb  The Distributor Distributor
Joined: April 27, 2002 Posts: 6515 Location: Pentwater, Michigan
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Posted: Thu Dec 05, 2024 8:44 pm Post subject: Re: '66 Beetle - '70 Engine: Fuel Flow from Carb |
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this is the original fuel line retainer clip
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/classifieds/detail.php?id=2717490 _________________ Roads Scholar &
1957 Kombi low mileage 36 hp governor equipped M 178 Slow Drag Winner 2014, 2015, 2018
1965 hardtop Deluxe Microbus owned since 1990 M 620 factory 12 v 1500cc
1961 (October)Single Cab- Road Trip Workhorse
Member# 2059 |
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