PDA

View Full Version : Bad Day *Warning Long Read*


WagoneerinWi
03-22-2010, 08:30 PM
So, this morning I jumped into my new to me Waggy to go to the airport on a business trip. I like to be early to avoid all of the stress of travel so I left at 7:30 for the 25 minute drive. My flight was to depart at 10:10 am so I had more than enough time to make it through a quiet airport.

Well, I made it out of the drive fine, but when I started up the hill I lost all power and it died. Well the fuel sending unit doesn't work so my first thought was that the tank was low enough that it couldn't bring up the necessary fuel. Being that I stopped on a steep hill, I couldn't get it out of park to coast back down the hill.

I walked the 150 yards or so back to the house and got the gas can. Luckily I had 1 gallon left. Walked back and topped off the tank, but it still wouldn't start. I did manage to finally get it into neutral and coast back down the hill to level ground. Tried starting again, but it would not fire.

I had used all the unleaded gas I had, but I did have some mixed weedeater gas in another can. I added a little bit to the carb and he fired right up. Idled a little rough and then was fine. Put it in gear to take off to the closest gas station, but only made it 4 feet before it fell flat on its face.

Pushed the car closer to the house and decided to reinstall the Lawnmower carb onto the engine. http://www.ifsja.org/forums/vb/showthread.php?t=118999 (http://www.ifsja.org/forums/vb/showthread.php?t=118999)

Primed the carb again and it was off and running. He took the hill with no problems this time and I made it to the Gas Station without a problem. This was about 8:30am, still plenty of time right?

Top off fuel and start to head toward the highway when he falls flat on his face. I pulled over and popped open the hood. The fuel line to exiting the fuel pump had blown off, soaking the whole bay in gas. Apparently the PO had broken the metal line so there was nothing for the line to grip too.

I reattached the line and headed for home to clean the bay up, least the engine get hot and set it on fire. On the way back the waggy had a massive back fire and blew out something on the exhaust (My guess a doughnut)

Long story short (way to late right?) I ended up taking my 1972 VW Bus in going 70-75mph and made it to the airport just in time to walk onto the plane.

I think it's time for a new carb, tune up and timing. Don't want to go through another morning like this one again.

jaber
03-22-2010, 09:14 PM
Glad to hear you made you flight.
These things can be VERY temperamental if you dont stroke 'em every once in a while. They like to through tantrums..:rolleyes:

Mark Wilde
03-22-2010, 09:17 PM
Well, it sounds like you found out what the lawnmower carb was all about. Sorry about your woes. Did you try turning the fuel filter so the return liine is on top instead of on the bottom? That might help...that way all the fuel won't go straight back to the tank. Otherwise, it sounds like you're on the right track...start with a carb rebuild and tune-up.

Glad you didn't have yourself a car-b-que! :eek:

gladman
03-22-2010, 09:58 PM
oh man!

good thing you didn't smell too much like gasoline when you got on the plane... things could have gotten interesting fast!

My brother helped a lady change her tire (on the road to the airport) a few weeks ago and while he tried to clean up, he was behind and wearing a suit and grimy...

Anyway, he got on the plane, but some officials ended up questioning him about why he smelled like "petroleum products"...

I am replacing the whole fuel system on my 67, rebuilt the carb... trying to eliminate that kind of nutty stuff... glad it worked out!

WagoneerinWi
03-23-2010, 04:35 AM
Yeah, I smelled of gas. I really can't believe they didn't at least question me.

I'll look into moving the filter around.

bigblock91
03-23-2010, 05:01 AM
I agree with Jeff.. They are tempermental basterds.. I say this knowing that mine will curse me.. Lol and I'm 3 states away... Lol.. I suggest getting on your knees and beginning forgiveness... Lol. Glad to hear you made your flight..

TJDukit
03-23-2010, 06:31 AM
I would also attempt to at least make a fresh cut on the metal fuel line and putting a flair on the end so the hose has something to grip. If you don't have a cutter and flair kit harbor freight sells them pretty cheap and mine has worked out great for me. I'm sure it would be more prefered to get a new metal fuel line but at least that could work until you want to put in the work to replace the line.

jaber
03-23-2010, 08:04 AM
If you need a replacement line, just post up, one of us will have one...:D

DerekTJeep
03-23-2010, 03:17 PM
Hey, now you know which car will get you to airport fast!! I'm afraid to ask what kind of engine is in the VW. That camper went 70-75 mph!! That must have been fast for this camper!!

WagoneerinWi
03-23-2010, 08:24 PM
Hey, now you know which car will get you to airport fast!! I'm afraid to ask what kind of engine is in the VW. That camper went 70-75 mph!! That must have been fast for this camper!!

The veedub has a Type 4 pancake engine with about 10K. Factory dual carbs and a header. I couldn't believe it made it to that speed either, I'd only taken it to 70 in the past (a bit scared to take it over). The speedometer is a little optimistic (Says 50 and your doing 40) so my speedo said 80-85mph.

I'll post up for a fuel line soon.

ag98gie
03-27-2010, 03:38 PM
VWs were my first automotive love. Glad to a FSJer driving one, I still own three. It is amazing what they can get out of an air-cooled 4 banger when modified.

http://www.tvwdra.org/

Badawg
03-27-2010, 04:48 PM
I had a 69 squareback that would do 120mph. And it was a dirt rig. Double shocked with armstrongs all around and a built 1735 with Crower cam and EFI.