Question-------------------------
Followup To
Question - 1974 Super Beetle. Can you recommend a better place to buy the fuel pump (tires, have bodywork done, etc)? I'm using autohaus.com out of Arizona,they've been OK but make me pay for shipping on orders under $50.
Do you have a recommendation on whether or not to remove the fuel filter on my 74 Bug? My buddy has a 84? Wesfalia and he showed me a technical article that stated removing the fuel filter was recommended because it was a fire hazard and it was only installed to protect the engine from engine production contanmination. I've had a fire in my bug already ( emergency egress procedure: door open, walk to front of car, observe from safe distance) due to (I think) the fuel filter leaking. I was thinking a metal braided fuel line might be a good safety investment?
Also, what's you're take on the electronic ignition replacement? I've heard that Bosch has a good track record.
This car is coming up on it's 33'rd Bday. Are there any major items that come to mind that you would recommend for safety as preventative maintenance? The body's starting to get some exterior rust, but I've just been keeping it going as an occasional daily driver/airport car. The headlights are dim, the sunroof needs work, the rear bumper sags right side down, and the cabin ocassionaly has the smell of gss, more noticable on the passnger's side.
Thanks for the info on the fuel pump!
Jim
Bentley Service Manual. No fuel observed going into the fuel filter. Blew into the fuel line and fuel began to flow. Engine runs normally. Now fuel is leaking underneath car. Oil level is too high. Appears fuel is getting into oil. Car is a fire hazard and smells like fuel. Appears fuel and oil are leaking and falling underneath car, and oil level is too high, not normal. Please help. Should I try changing out the fuel pump?
Answer -
Hi Jim,
Definately change the fuel pump. Sounds like it's leaking into the crankcase.
Change the oil.
Good Luck.
RW
AnswerHi,
Sure, here are some websites for a reasonable fuel pump:
www.gowesty.com
www.busdepot.com
1) The fuel filter should be on, next to the carb. It will wreck your car if you don't have it.
2) General maint for fuel lines: Going through the car, they are metal, so no worries. Under the tank, replace the old hose with FUEL INJECTION hose. It is much more durable.
a) Don't use those hose clamps that have all the slots
in them, they 'chew' through the line, use solid hose
clamps.
3) Replace the fuel line going from the back of the engine to the Fuel Pump. The metal line should be coming through the back, not the rubber. This is a common BIG mistake. The rubber hose will inevitably get worn by the tin hole, and could break. Make sure the metal is coming through, and there is a rubber grommet in the middle of that metal line --- protecting it from the engine tin.
Again, use the fuel injection hose and use solid clamps.
4) Replace the hose under the car by the tranny, where it connects to the other steel line. (doesn't apply to all cars, check your Bentley)
5) Check the hoses (one big, one small) that go to the filler neck in the front. May sound funny, but when you are filling up --- smell those hoses. If they smell, replace them. They leak commonly. You can't see the hose rot, because they are covered with a thread-like material.
The fuel pump goes directly into the engine case, so if it is bad, it will dump fuel into the oil.
6) I do not believe in the electronic ignition. I believe in making sure you have the correct distributor for your car, (by looking at the number on the side of it) and replacing the points, condenser, cap, and rotor, with the exact parts for that distributor. THere are over 10 kinds of points, etc. for a beetle. The ignition system is the most robust, I wouldn't even think of changing the ignition system. They won't give you anymore power. It's a 1600 cc engine, I have that ignition system in my 76 bus, and it still puts out a great spark -- and that engine is a porsche 2.0 litre engine!
7) The fuel filter was probably not the cause of the fire (I'm guessing). Most fires are caused by putting the rubber hose through the back of the motor, and having it rub the hose until it ruptures. The second most common is the fuel line (near the filter) being rubbed by the accelerator cable, the alternator pulley, or the drive belt. Rubbing is the biggest part of a fire.
Remember: VW made these cars for over 30 years, and if the filter was a flaw, they had many years to fix it. Never run the car without a filter, you will eventually ruin your carb and need new valves and seats.
FFW -- hope I answered everything, please let me know how you make out.
P.S. 74 BEETLES switched to an alternator (first year) SO, be very careful that you have the correct fuel pump set-up.
a) The push-rod for the fuel pump is shorter. (confirm exact size in Bentley)
b) The fuel pump is slightly bent forward to accomodate the alternator.
c) If you are operating with a long push rod now, that would explain why your pump went -- the longer rods blow through the diaphram in the pump causing it to leak.
d) Some fuel pumps have a fuel filter in them as well. Take the top off (if it's the type with one screw on the very top). Replace it w/regular tune-ups.
