88 VW Fox starts but then dies & doesn't want to continue running after started, PLEASE HELP!?!?!

Asked by Jennifer Oct 19, 2017 at 12:14 AM about the 1988 Volkswagen Fox GL

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

88 VW fox starts but then dies out almost right away, but
then we took the gas cap off & tried starting it again, it
started & stayed running for a few seconds longer than
before when trying but still then dies no matter what else
you try doing to try keeping it running, can anyone please
help me with even any suggestions as to what we could try
or where to even start??? We did already replace the fuel
filter because it was running & driving but then we ran it out
of gas & now this is all that we can get it to do anyways, so
any helpful hints would be really great right about now cuz
really want to get it running again cuz I have it sold now as
soon as I do any how, thank for any help that anyone might
have for me anyways!?!?!?

59,745

enginecreator answered 7 years ago

On a weak fuel pump running it out of gas is the fastest way to need a new fuel pump or it can suck up an older pumps strainer bag and/or dirt and rust. I would test fuel pressure, your injectors may be dirty/clogged up and even that new filter if it sucked up a lot of trash from the bottom of tank, at its age it could be full of rust, just will not know until the tank is dropped, yes dropped to replace fuel pump and check for rusting away. May could spray some ether/carb/choke cleaner starting fluid in the air intake while turning it over to see if it continues to run then you know its a fuel delivery issue, otherwise if does the same may need spark plugs & wires or other maintenance.

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