71 Super Beetle will start with starter fluid, and idle, but will not accelerate

Asked by Phrank Apr 06, 2015 at 10:56 AM about the 1971 Volkswagen Super Beetle 1303

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

When I got the car, I replaced the brakes, coil, plugs, wires, fuel filter, oil, gas, trans oil, points, and condenser.  It ran great.  I was driving it when it suddenly began to cut out and backfire.  Now, I can get it started if someone sprays starter fluid, and it will run indefinitely.  However, as soon as I give it gas, now matter how much or how little, it sputters and dies.  I have since replaced the dist cap and rotor to no avail.  Any help would be appreciated.

2 Answers
103,735

Reelin68 answered 9 years ago

Not sure about the beetle, but I know other VW's had a problem with the fuel pump intake screen getting plugged with rust. Was a known issue with the Cabriolets. Sounds like it's got enough gas for idle, but when you hit the peddle for take off, it just isn't there.

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103,735

Reelin68 answered 9 years ago

Have you tried this yet? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eU6aVBW71Es

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