Re: [T3] End of 1776 overheat saga and vapor lock Q. (long!)

[Steven Ayres <comwest@att.net>]

<x-flowed>DavidY=> engine at full operating temp, parked it for 15-20 min, then 
returned
=> to drive it, I have only been able to drive about a block before the 
engine
=> dies (clearly a fuel starvation sputter as it chokes). ... no fuel 
was present
=> in the in-line filter, ... after about 20 min, I could see some fuel 
returning to
=> the in-line filter, and the engine finally started up ...
=> Am I correct to diagnose this as classic vapor lock?

It could be, although true vapor lock is pretty rare with these motors. 
As someone else hinted, it is usually associated with metal fuel lines, 
but a hot fuel pump might cause it. So it could be instructive to know 
the temp of the fuel-pump body after a hot run. Also, is the fuel filter 
you mentioned plastic or metal?

But this reminds me more of the classic fuel-siphoning problem 
associated with early dual carbs. This happened when parking pointed 
uphill, and was addressed by VW with a little anti-siphon valve on the 
fuel line in the engine compartment. Were you parked on a hill when this 
has happened?

=> Does cloth braided hose stay cooler in the engine compartment than
=> non-covered fuel line?

No. In any case, for you (and anyone else) who has braided fuel line, 
it's time to get rid of it -- it's either OEM and too old, or junk made 
recently.

=> Does the top section itself screw off, or are there screws/bolt(s) 
that hold
=> it down from the underside that can only be accessed by removing the 
pump?

I'm not sure which pump you have, but it will divide at the diaphragm or 
at a separate cover for the screen area. The screw heads may indeed be 
underneath. I agree this is probably not your problem.

Steven Ayres, Prescott AZ
'66 KG1600

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