FAQ 18

Question: My Beetle has been sitting for years. How do it get it running again?

Answer: There are many tasks necessary to get an old car back on the road after sitting for many years. If the car has been more or less dry, the engine is probably fine. However, the fuel tank and brake system may have quite a bit of internal rust.

The rubber fuel lines must be replaced. Old VWs in general have fire problems, so all rubber fuel lines should be replaced, even if the car has been on the road all these years. There are 4 fuel hose sections on a Beetle: one below the fuel tank, one behind the driver side rear wheel (along side the transmission), and at least one going into the fuel pump, and one from the pump to the carb. Use unleaded compatible fuel line. I've used 1/4 inch inside diameter which works fine. Use modern band type hose clamps.

Be extremely careful with gasoline. The slightest spark will set it off (even static electric sparks). Disconnect the negative battery terminal so you cannot make an electrical spark. Be aware that steel tools hitting steel parts of the car can also spark. Wear gloves. Latex gloves do not hold up well when exposed to gas. Nitrile seems better. Gasoline is causes cancer. Breathing gasoline vapor is bad for you, and at very high concentrations can kill you almost instantly. Use adequate ventilation. Don't start siphons with your mouth. Buy a decent gas siphon.

It helps to drain the fuel tank. This accomplishes two things: gets out the old gas, and gives you a chance to siphon any water and rust out of the tank. I pull the fuel sender out of the top of the tank. It is difficult to siphon all the gas out through the filler, especially on later model Bugs.

I'm not an expert in re-starting cars, but I'll share some of what I know.

Replace the spark plugs. While you have them out, squirt a couple of squirts of oil into the cylinders. Replace the points and condensor, or replace with an electronic points module. I used a CompuFire in my Bug, and I have a Pertronix (that I still haven't put in my BMW).

Change the oil. Does it have water or rust in it? (hopfully not). There is a lot to do before starting the engine, and one of those tasks is to turn the engine over by hand to get oil pumped through the engine.

Check the air cleaner and carb for dirt, and debris. There is a chance that when you start the car, the carb may flood.

Inspect all the wiring. Mice love to chew the insulation off wires. There is quite a bit of wiring under the rear seat, and sadly also quite a bit of seat padding that mice just love for nests.

Replace the battery.

At the very least you'll have to bleed the brakes until the fluid doesn't come out rusty. This could easily take a quart of brake fluid. It is likely that you'll have to replace the master cylinder and wheel cylinders.

Install a temperature gauge, and oil pressure gauge. VDO is fine quality, and the prices are good. See my info about the temperature sender.

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