1978 Other Volkswagen Models 1978 VW Beetle carb problem

1978 VOLKSWAGEN
Avatar
STOVEBOLT62
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
Engine Mechanical problem
1978 Other Volkswagen Models 4 cyl Two Wheel Drive Manual

I just bought a 1978 VW Superbeetle which looks to have been converted to a carburetor instead of fuel injection. Anyway, car will start but you have to keep it revving very high or engine will stall. Is this a float problem or should the carburetor be rebuit? Would a simple cleaning fix the problem? Thanks.
May 19, 2009 at 7:01 PM
Advertisement
Avatar
DR LOOT
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 2,311 POSTS
It has been awhile since I've had some of the old stuff, refresh my memory, if that was injected it should have a computer, did you can check the distributor to see if it points or electronic? if they've removed the fuel injection, most likely they removed the computer, and installed the points distributor, to answer your question tell me if the bottom of the carburetor has a solenoid.
May 23, 2009 at 11:18 AM
Avatar
STOVEBOLT62
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
Yes, has soleniod. Incidently, since this post, I got the car running briefly yesterday until it caught on fire! I also noticed gas in the oil. This thing has turned out to be a nightmare. Now I remember why I disliked VWs so much in the past.
May 23, 2009 at 12:31 PM
Advertisement
Avatar
DR LOOT
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 2,311 POSTS
don't let it kick your A$$, make sure that the solenoid has 12v when you turn the key on, but not off of the coil, that will cause ignition breakdown, the gas in the oil is no big deal, you have a bad fuel pump, when thay go bad thay leaked internal, if you need any more help me know, I am also available on Yahoo, Live!
May 23, 2009 at 12:41 PM
Avatar
STOVEBOLT62
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
Well, in doing some research, it looks like someone converted the car from fuel injection to carb, but never replaced the stock electric fuel pump. These fuel pumps put out way too much fuel for a carb set up don't they?(65PSI) I assume this thing was dumping raw gas down the block thus the fuel in the oil problem. I know they make the lower pressure fuel pumps(3-4 PSI) that will work with a carb, but where is the best place to mount this and can I leave the stock one there as long as I disconnect the leads? Thanks.
May 30, 2009 at 11:16 PM