QuestionI have acquired a 78 Super Beetle convertible which is actually in pretty good condition. The gas tank is approx 3/4 full, and unfortunately the gas has been in there for about 12 months. The car was last running and driven in JUN (about 5 months ago -- it was running fine then). I am presently trying to get it to start, but it runs very rough for just a few seconds...maybe a backfire or 2...and then stops.
AnswerHey man, I have a 78 FI, it's a great engine.
1) The fuel filter is under the gas tank, (in the front) carefully drain the gas tank and make sure you have a good flow, because there is a screen filter in the tank as well.
2) Get some majorly good fuel injection cleaner and put about 5 of them in the tank, after the fuel tank has be drained, and the filter changed.
(Note: make sure you buy a fuel filter for a Fuel Injected beetle, or it won't work properly)
My guess: The injectors got clogged a bit, and need some cleaner run through them. The cold start injector is providing the initial start.
Finally check EVERY air hose in the car and make sure they are not torn, dry-rotted, etc. (even in between the bellows of that big black rubber elbow that connects to the silver contraption that looks like a waffle-iron). They are common to slip in between.
Try this first, and let me know.
Ron
