Bubbles...

[ghorne]

Thought I would see if anybody else has run into this problem.

Car starts just fine when cold. After driving around and coming back, with the car off, I notice bubbles coming back from the fuel pump into the inline fuel filter I have installed. Inline filter is installed prior to the fuel pump input. I would have to wait 20 minutes or so for the bubbles to dissipate to restart.

At one time, the bubbles was so much it looked like boiling water.

Figuring the fuel pump, I changed it and installed a new one.

I am no longer getting stuck with a car that won't start, but I still notice some bubbles. Also, restarts although possible seem to take more cranking and gas pedal action than what would be ideal.

Opening the gas cap does not relieve the bubbles. Thus, I think my fuel tank air bleed lines are alright.

Checked with the previous owner and the carbs (Solex) were rebuilt a couple of years ago by a Porsche mechanic.

Suggestions? Ideas?

Thanks,
Greg

[jpamental]

I've seen that with mine and assumed it was just normal - never had it correlate with not starting, etc. Engine's hot, everything's hot, so yes - probably gas is very hot too; thus the bubbles. I suspect it's not much to worry about. Gas boils out of the carbs too - down into the cylinders. Do you have good insulating spacer between the fuel pump and crank case? (the thick one)

Jason

[ghorne]

Well, maybe the bubbles are normal then and replacing the fuel pump solved my other problem of not being able to restart.

Yes, I have a new spacer installed.

I was just wondering if the bubbles were the cause of my car not starting with just the turn of the key, like others have told me theirs behave.

Thanks,
Greg
'68 912

[Nige-912E]

I've noticed this on nearly all the cars I've had over the years with an see through in-line fuel filter from Golf's (Rabbits to you guys) Polo's, Beetles and Ghias. I just assumed it was fuel draining back down the fuel lines! never bothered about it really!

[jpamental]

Greg,

The 'starting right up' is probably due to other stuff rather than the fuel system. The things I did to get mine starting better were to replace the old ignition coil and primarily do a lot of cleaning. The connections at the starter on the line from the battery and the ignition were really dirty, and the ignition connection was old, corroded and loose. I replaced the connector, sanded and cleaned everything and it made a huge difference. (Used emory paper to sand it down, and a contact cleaner spray to clean/degrease afterwards.)

I also went around and cleaned all the electrical contacts between the voltage regulator, the coil and the generator.

Finally, all of this won't matter much if you don't have clean, unfouled, properly gapped plugs, good wires and properly set timing.

After all of that, you'll probably start very well. If that doesn't do it, the final fix is a $10 relay that takes care of a voltage drop at the ignition switch (most likely). You can search the boards for stuff on 'hot start' issues. This might not exactly be the problem - if you've tried everything else above and still have issues, it might be good to summarize again how everything is working and posting back before trying something else.

Good Luck!

Jason