Classic VW Bugs How to fix Beetle Fuel Pump Vapor Lock

In this short tip I explain how to fix vapor lock coming from your fuel pump.

[mjhoover]

I just wanted to log in and say thanks, this was exactly what was happening to me and a slight sand with some fine grit did the trick

[williamscholfield]

This is great, found exactly this problem, ran the bus for about 20 mins, got the pump of and found the rod held in the up position, thanks for this, still relevent 10 years later, thanks Chris

[volkswagenkever]

Had this exact thing happen to me during a roadtrip today. Drove me nuts not knowing what was wrong. Thanks for the tip!

[johannadaleo]

UPDATE! IT WAS a TWISTED
fuel lIne under the tank that was kinking.

Chris, you are the best! Exactly my bugs problem! Changed the fuel filter but didn't know about that bottom piece. Coming out today!

[mikeramsdellramsdell]

I wanted to tell you that in a round about way this was helpful not only did I learn about vapor lock but my problem was exactly what you're talking about, but that was not the problem. I was about to see if I had to remove the gas tank and clean it out. When I removed the mat in the trunk and one of the two wires to the sending unit (I guess that's what it is) was corroded and fallen apart so I put a new end on the wire and it still misses a little every now and again BUT WHAT A DIFFERENCE! Thanks very much for the insight.

[NigelNaughton]

Also it is so extremely important to make sure the rubber seal around the engine shroud is in good shape and fitted correctly. That way all the hot air is being pushed out and not recirculated back in the engine compartment. Great video.

[mcgyver]

Man, that was awesome! Years ago, I was having constant vapor locking here in Southern California so I put in an electric fuel pump and that solved the vapor locking issues. Had I known about this, I would've never opted for the electric pump. Now, I'm thinking of going back to the old school mechanical pump.

[imreplica]

I was in the process of taking my fuel pump off my dune buggy's 1600 engine and guess what happened.
Broke the plastic housing off just like Chris did in his video.
I got the part that was stuck down in the engine out the same way.
Thank you VERY MUCH, Chris, for this video.

[jorgegallo]

Great video. My flange actually broke off when I tried to pull it out, so I replaced it. However, ultimately my problem turned out to be the electric choke which had disengaged, so the choke wasn't working and it flooded. You can't tell by just looking at it, you have to play with it to notice it. Something to keep in mind.

[gregschroeder]

WOW! You are now SUBSCRIBED! in my favorites. Mind blown. Thank you

Just today took apart the fuel pump and sanded the pedestal worked like a charm ty for your help on this. Great video.

[johnwilson]

Thanks for a great video. My 67 was doing exactly as you described. I followed your steps and stopped at 3 psi. I saved a bundle that would have gone to my mechanic...and had the satisfaction of fixing it myself.

[dwheeler]

Learned a lot from this video. My 63 beetle stopped dead last week in hot weather on an upgrade. Thought I had vapor lock. I found the push rod is actually 1/8 to short. That might explain the dribble of gas I am getting. It wants to start, but does not have enough gas. New parts in the mail.

[steveirving]

Hey Chris. Great little how to video. I checked my pump stand out and sure enough the rod was sticking and the stand had a lot of friction. Ground it down. Running great. Thanks!

[dazsut]

An alternative if the pump stand is stuck in block is to polish the hardened rod with wet and dry 1200 grit paper. This avoids risk of breaking stand. I tape one end of rod with insulation tape to protect from damage and locate in chuck of electric drill, put drill in vice and polish at high speed then remove tape and repeat on other end of rod. Clean and replace back in stand. Job done

[myvws]

I was driving my 56 Oval back to Kansas from Rhode Island in July of '89 and had this problem but I can tell you it wasn't from a sticking pump rod because as soon as the sun went down the car ran great! But thanks for the tip I appreciate it.

[rogeross]

This worked great for me this morning, made a big difference on my 1972 Super. Even the way it started cold was better . Great Great tip Thank You.

[REDCLAYHOMESTEAD]

Thanks for the video. I seem to run across them (your videos) as often as I run across issues with my bug project.

[Klottelitsch]

In Germany we prevent Vapor lock with adding 1% API TC two stroke oil to the fuel
that has a great anti boiling additive that pervents fuel vapor lock
try it...in Germany and VW and Porsche vintage driver does so

[CGSalon]

Nice tip! Thanks for the help! I'm sure so many people rack their brains when it's something this simple.