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'74 Super Beetle - Engine Flooding

Posted: Thu Jul 03, 2008 7:21 pm
by Sluggo
Replaced my gas tank last week, got the new carb from Keifernet a few months ago, fixed my intake manifold leak two days ago, fixed my blocked gas tank vent lines yesterday and replaced my clogged fuel filter today. Engine started flooding within 20 minutes. Had to get towed home. Also discovered I need a new muffler. Gas leaking out the seam.

Theory:
The combo of clogged filter, leaky tank, vac leak and blocked vapor lines covered up an over zealous fuel pump. Once I fixed all these problems I started flooding out.

Am I close or just way off? What's the solution? Larger flange/spacer?

Posted: Fri Jul 04, 2008 8:00 am
by vwlover77
Dirt in the carb needle valve or a leaky carb float?

Posted: Fri Jul 04, 2008 2:21 pm
by Sluggo
vwlover77 wrote:Dirt in the carb needle valve or a leaky carb float?
Keith suggested the same thing. I'll pull it apart tomorrow. I doubt it's the brand new float but I could have easily got some debris from the new tank in the valve.

Re: '74 Super Beetle - Engine Flooding

Posted: Sat Jul 05, 2008 11:35 am
by keifernet
Sluggo wrote:Replaced my gas tank last week, got the new carb from Keifernet a few months ago, fixed my intake manifold leak two days ago, fixed my blocked gas tank vent lines yesterday and replaced my clogged fuel filter today. Engine started flooding within 20 minutes. Had to get towed home. Also discovered I need a new muffler. Gas leaking out the seam.

Theory:
The combo of clogged filter, leaky tank, vac leak and blocked vapor lines covered up an over zealous fuel pump. Once I fixed all these problems I started flooding out.
Am I close or just way off? What's the solution? Larger flange/spacer?
This is still a possibility though Randy... do you have access to a fuel pressure guage? If your pushing much more than 3 lbs pressure it could be overdriving the needle valve/float on the stock carb.

Posted: Sat Jul 05, 2008 4:58 pm
by Sluggo
Defective float. It was one of the plastic hollow Solex floats. Completely full of gas. I changed it out with an old foam float I had lying around until I can get a new one. Hopefully it will work for a while. Unfortunately, I sent keifernet all of my carbs (with floats) about 1/2 an hour before this all occurred.

Posted: Sun Jul 06, 2008 7:19 am
by keifernet
I got your PM... I will send you some spare parts back for your parts stash.

:cheers:

Posted: Sun Jul 06, 2008 1:36 pm
by Sluggo
The new/old float seems to be working well. The Beetle is running great except for the exhaust leak at the muffler seam. Checked her out this morning and there was no gas in the pistons or muffler. :cheers: Started right up and ran strong.

Now I just gotta replace the steering box & u-joint, muffler, half of the tin, tires, repack/replace wheel bearings,replace heater hoses in the trunk, replace interior heater flap cables and install a left heater box control arm. Then I can get started on finding some good seats & carpet.

Did I mention that the guy who sold me this car is a dirty, dirty liar!

Posted: Sun Jul 06, 2008 4:59 pm
by dtrumbo
Sluggo wrote:Did I mention that the guy who sold me this car is a dirty, dirty liar!
It seems all previous owners are.