Club 80-90 Forums

Hi all,
I have a 1982 2.0ltr Aircooled van (cu engine) which I have only recently bought. Over the last 3 weeks I have covered 1500 miles in france. while there the weather was really hot.
Anyway we found that after running for 45min or longer (running really smoothly with no problems)that when we had stopped, starting her up again would be fine for about 30seconds and then she'd cut out and not re-start until i'd opened up the engine bay and pushed her into the shade and left her like that for an hour or so. Then i'd have to pour a little petrol into the carb to get her to start and she'd run fine again.
We found that if we shut her down and let her cool she'd start fine after an hour and run fine.
I replaced all the fuel hose and there were 2 inline fiters fitted so i removedthe one in the engine bay and replaced the one near the tank. I cleaned the filter in the carb (single Weber).
Obviously these long continental lunch stops are fine on holiday but a pain in the a*** if you just want to stop for fuel or a pee!!
Has anyone got ideas?

is all the tinware present and in good shape... and the engine seal ok?

all the tinwear is there, the front part was gapping open with a 3 inch gap to start with, but i bloted that up and have got a good seal all around now

meant bolted

is the fan OK
do the flaps open? does the thermostat open them ok?

fan runs ok, not sure about the flaps. How do I check if thet're operating?

When up to temp the thermostat bellows retract and shorten in length, this connects to a wire which when pulled tight as bellows retract open flaps allowing cool air over the engine. U can take off the thermostat, clean it and test in hot water if u like.

Vapour lock in the fuel lines?

Only happens when hot, starts fine and runs for 30 seconds, then dies and won't restart until cold, single, non-standard carb fitted.


Try wrapping the fuel pump and lines in a damp cloth for a few minutes next time it won't start.

Also, see here (though take note that Beetles and T3s do have some differences);
http://www.vw-resource.com/vapor_lock.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;


There can't be much issue with your tinware, fan or flaps, or you wouldn't have covered 1,500km in 40 degree heat.

to be fair the carb isnt the best, if its running lean it could be causing the overheat they are not jetted correctly for cu s from the box
whats the exhaust pipe colour? grey, black.......?

82JEW75 wrote:Vapour lock in the fuel lines?

Only happens when hot, starts fine and runs for 30 seconds, then dies and won't restart until cold, single, non-standard carb fitted.


Try wrapping the fuel pump and lines in a damp cloth for a few minutes next time it won't start.

Also, see here (though take note that Beetles and T3s do have some differences);
http://www.vw-resource.com/vapor_lock.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;


There can't be much issue with your tinware, fan or flaps, or you wouldn't have covered 1,500km in 40 degree heat.

I'm taking her for a run out tomorrow so i'll try this if it happens as this does sound exactly like what's happening to her.

jason k wrote:to be fair the carb isnt the best, if its running lean it could be causing the overheat they are not jetted correctly for cu s from the box
whats the exhaust pipe colour? grey, black.......?

I haven't heard much good about these carbs. is there a jet kit for the CU engine do you know as this would be cheaper than new carbs i reckon.

the exhaust pipe is black

waltraud wrote:When up to temp the thermostat bellows retract and shorten in length, this connects to a wire which when pulled tight as bellows retract open flaps allowing cool air over the engine. U can take off the thermostat, clean it and test in hot water if u like.

I'll give this a try too