Checking the Main Jet in an Air Cooled VW?

Hey Pappa,

If there's no fuel reaching the float bowl then it sounds more like you might have a fuel delivery problem. Could also be a stuck float valve, cruddy passages, rusty fuel tank/lines etc. etc.

You can check for fuel delivery by pulling the hose off the carb and sticking the end into a container, and have someone crank the engine. Watch and make sure you're getting good fuel flow and be VERY CAREFUL when you do this, keep a fire extinguisher on hand. No/weak fuel flow? you got some issues, either a weak/bad fuel pump or a blockage in the fuel line somewhere. 73 is getting a little old and it's not impossible you have rust in the tank and/or fuel lines. If you're getting good fuel flow no leaks, and it doesn't look like you're getting a ton of rust the next place to start looking is the carb.

One thing to check on the carb is the "idle solenoid" It's that little "can" with the wire attached on the drivers side of the carb. With the ignition on (not running) disconnect and then re-connect the wire going to the solenoid, you should hear it clicking if not make sure it's getting power from the + side of the coil, if it is getting power and it still isn't clicking it may need to be replaced.

The stock VW carbs are actually pretty easy to rebuild and you can either find a kit online or at a place that specializes in Older VW parts. A carb kit for a VW isn't something you're likely to find at the local big box auto parts store but it's worth a shot. They'll need to know what the number on the carb is. If I'm not mistaken it'll most likely be a PICT 34 or some such but it will be stamped on the body of the carb. You're likely to get a kit that covers more than one type of carb and it's not unusual to end up with some "spare" parts. Just be sure to read and follow the instructions that came with the kit and you should do just fine. Once you have it re-built you'll have to adjust it and for that there's no getting around it... You need to have a manual that covers your particular model and year, or a friend that REALLY knows what they're doing and is willing to work for beer.

I would bet it is the fuel shut off like the other guy was talking about.

Me I fix them by just unscrewing the shut off valve, taking a pair of dykes, and snip off the barrel on the end of it, and screw it back in!

Now the fuel pump is pumping fuel, right?

That's where to start, follow the fuel!