Hi all,
I've got a problem with Gerty ('73 Bug) and was hoping someone may have some suggestions.
I drive Gerty to work and back every day - around 6 miles each way. On Thursday on the way back home she started to lose power and eventually stopped right near my house. There was no gas in the filter. Left her for several hours and got her started again and initially saw some bubbles come through the filter.
Friday morning, got to work fine. On the way back she stopped halfway home. Came back later in the evening, got her almost home before she died again. Waited another 30 mins and managed to get her home.
On Sunday I had a bit of time to see what was going on. Started her up on the driveway and left her running for about 10 mins at medium revs without problems. Took her out for a drive and about half a mile later she died again. Gave her 30 mins to cool down, started up and one of the tailpipes fell off (rusted through). Got home OK.
Monday evening I fitted a new muffler and tailpipes and made absolutely sure the connections to the block and heat exchangers are good. Pipes coming down from the fan are also connected well with plenty of air coming through. I can feel a lot of hot air coming out the top of the exchangers so I know that air is running through them.
Today she got to work OK, but on the way home died after about a mile. Let her cool down but just couldn't get her running enough to drive her home. Gave up and got a lift home!
My initial guess is that she's overheating and there's a vapor lock in the pump. However, today it was much cooler than it was late last week and the pump was only warm to touch. The metal fuel line coming in was hot right at the back where it goes through the wall but not too hot to touch. Seeing as the problem is getting worse, is there anything else I should check? I may replace the pump, although it's barely a year old anyway.
Any suggestions would be highly appreciated. Thanks!
