ran out of petrol - now wont idle

[MiKe1_golf]

So i jumped in the golf to drive home from work... it was siting in the garage at work for a few days... hop in, look at the fuel gauge.. tap the dash... huh fuel gauge is broken i know i've got petty in it.... about 40 kms later run out of fuel

the gauge was working i'd just forgotten about driving it to north sydney - berowra on the weekend...

so slapped some fuel in it started it up and drove home... it wasn't liking idling i just assumed it's picked up ****ty bottom of the tank fuel. but i've done about 60kms now and was a mission to drive in peak hour traffic with out stalling.

i suppose my question is, have i done some damage or is there something i should look at? i guess replacing the fuel filter is step one.

[Jarred]

You're probably right. It's probably picked up some crap from the bottom of the tank.

I'd say it's blocking one of a couple things, shouldn't be too serious. First I'd replace the fuel filter, since it's like 4 bucks anyways, then it clean out/check the fuel hoses for proper flow, and if it's still not working, start methodically cleaning the carb with carb cleaner. I'd just go down the gullet first up, but if that doesn't work, rip off the top cover plate and then check all the jets' etc for debri, and clean up with carb cleaner.

If that doesn't work, check the fuel pump (but I doubt it'd be that)

Hope that sorts it.

[MiKe1_golf]

is there a fuse for the fuel pump... this is my first carby car so bare with me. with my old 31 to disconnect any thing on the fuel line i'd disconnect the fuse for the fuel pump and try and start the car... to empty out the fuel lines.

[GoLfMan]

is there a fuse for the fuel pump... this is my first carby car so bare with me. with my old 31 to disconnect any thing on the fuel line i'd disconnect the fuse for the fuel pump and try and start the car... to empty out the fuel lines.

should be a mechanical fuel pump mate So no fuses!

as Jarred said, I recon its your fuel filter mate. Replace that and go from there!

[Jarred]

IF you follow your fuel lines to the front of the block, a little to the left of the distributor, that's where the fuel pump is. It's a little mechanical vaccum unit that runs off a small cam on the intermediate shaft.

[MiKe1_golf]

i'll get a filter at lunch break. might grab a fire extinguisher too..... just incase...

[jaffa]

It will be a bit of stuff in your jets from the bottom of the float bowl. There is usually a bit of gunk in the bottom of the float bowl after a while, but while its full it doesn't get picked up. When you run dry though, the float drops to the bottom, stirring up any gunk which then moves through the system. It you have a weber, then its easy to remove the jets without pulling the carb apart, but with a Solex, I think you have to take the top of the carbie off.

[MiKe1_golf]

i've replaced the fuel filter (the one i got is quite a bit bigger but otherwise identicle) i got some carbie cleaner. i'll see how it goes on the way home...

[MiKe1_golf]

just started her up again. seemed to be running better after a "Clean-R-Carb" spray and a new fuel filter.... but is now idleing crap again. sounds like i'll have to pull it apart all fun and games when it's not your current daily lol.
really should get onto buying a car for comuting..

[Jarred]

just started her up again. seemed to be running better after a "Clean-R-Carb" spray and a new fuel filter.... but is now idleing crap again. sounds like i'll have to pull it apart all fun and games when it's not your current daily lol.
really should get onto buying a car for comuting..

dont be silly!

mk 1's are fine dailys! I've driven mk 1's for a while as a daily, and only ever had 1 or two problems, and neither of them major!

[roccodingo]

If it doesnt idle it will either be dirt in the idle jet, or the idle stop valve is getting no power ( cylinder on side of carb facing the coil if its still a solex with wire coming out the end)

A good manual would be a wise investment if your going to fiddle with these old cars....