72 Super Beetle starts and runs fine first. After I drive it for a while and park it for 30 min to 1 hour, it trys to start but cant. Its almost like it doesnt get enough gas. Just replaced fuel line

Asked by NRocket Jul 29, 2013 at 09:53 PM about the 1972 Volkswagen Beetle

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

replaced fuel line and filter. A few days after the problem started. Its almost like the engine is hot and then it doesn't want to start. Turns over but maybe doesn't get enough gas to start? What could be wrong with it? Please help

4 Answers

13,275

Sounds like what you have is "vapor lock" in the fuel line. The heat in the engine compartment is causing the fuel vapor to expand inside the fuel line and not allowing enough fuel to get to the engine via the carburetor. Flathead Fords from the 30's and 40's use to have the same problem when the fuel pump got weak with age. Did you install the fuel filter in the correct direction ?

2 people found this helpful.

Thank you all for your answers and help. I didn't drive the VW for a week and now it has been running like a champ. I haven't had any starter problems. I think Fordtudor37 was right, it was vapor lock? At the time it was also 103 degrees daily, maybe that had something to do with it also? Thanks again for all your help.

Your Answer:

Beetle

Looking for a Used Beetle in your area?

CarGurus has 181 nationwide Beetle listings starting at $2,495.

Postal Code:

CarGurus Experts

  • #1
    tenspeed
    Reputation
    3,170
  • #2
    Chris Billings
    Reputation
    2,930
  • #3
    Deathjam4
    Reputation
    2,090
View All

Find great deals from top-rated dealers

Search

Related Models For Sale

Used Honda Civic
190 Great Deals out of 4,208 listings starting at $2,916
Used Ford Mustang
61 Great Deals out of 1,603 listings starting at $6,500
Used Toyota Corolla
137 Great Deals out of 2,258 listings starting at $3,495
Used Chevrolet Corvette
29 Great Deals out of 593 listings starting at $10,989
Used Chevrolet Camaro
25 Great Deals out of 511 listings starting at $11,500

Content submitted by Users is not endorsed by CarGurus, does not express the opinions of CarGurus, and should not be considered reviewed, screened, or approved by CarGurus. Please refer to CarGurus Terms of Use. Content will be removed if CarGurus becomes aware that it violates our policies.