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72' Beetle with idle problems

I recently purchased a 72' Beetle. After driving the vehicle for about 10 minutes the idle becomes rough and the car dies if I don't continually tap the accelerator. Also, the electric fuel pump vibrates extremely heavily every so often. (lack of fuel?)

I've checked the spark plugs, replaced the condenser and distributor points, and the carburetor looks brand new. When I take the fuel line off the carburetor the fuel pump appears to be pumping an adequate flow of gasoline without blockage or any visible dirt or other gunk. The local shop recommended that I remove the gas tank and look for any debris or anything else that might be causing blockage. Any advice is appreciated.

Thanks Jason

Reply to
Flgstonia
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Disagree (respectfully:-)

BTW, the electric fuel pump is not stock; '72 engines had a mechanical pump to the right of the distrib.

Dunno where your pump is mounted, but the preferred location is under the fuel tank, mounted on shock absorbing insulators.

It's very possible that the pump is putting out too *much* pressure, rather than not enough. That will cause minor flooding which is most noticeable at idle.

I'd hook a fuel pressure gauge between pump and carb inlet to see.

3 PSI is more than enough. A regulator may be in order.

Flooding can also occur if the float needle valve is loose or not sealing positively.

Strongly recommend picking up some kind of shop manual for this car. (Bentley, Haynes, Muir) Even if you don't plan to do all your own work, you need some reference material.

Speedy Jim

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Reply to
Speedy Jim

i'd guess either a bad idle shutoff solenoid or a tank venting problem....try a google group search on this group for those problems...plenty of reading....

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------------------- Chris Perdue "I'm ever so thankful for the Internet; it has allowed me to keep a finger in the pie and to make some small contribution to those younger who will carry the air-cooled legend forward" Jim Mais Feb. 2004

Reply to
Chris Perdue

Where is the pump located? Ideally the low-pressure electric pumps should be installed below the fuel tank. The facet pump(square, noisy as hell) is a decent enough pusher but it doesn't do a good job of pulling fuel, hence the reason it needs to be under the tank so gravity will help keep it fed.

However, in all honesty, I've personally had nothing but bad luck with the electric pumps. They're noisy, and they don't seem to hold up well. The stock mechanical fuel pump works just fine. Installing one is a cinch, you'll need locate the proper pump, pushrod, mounting block, fuel filter, and fuel line. Install the filter between the fuel outlet on the driver side frame rail and the rear tin where the VW fuel pipe comes through. Do not install a filter on the pressure-side of the pump. When you get ready to install the pump you'll want to coat the gaskets with RTV, and you need to pack the bottom of the fuel pump with wheel bearing grease.

Check with John @

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for your parts. He'll set you up with what you need.

Chris

Reply to
Hal

Reply to
perkinskr

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