81 1.6 liter Vanagon fuel system problem

[RedWolf]

Hello all, I'm new to the Board not VW's. I've owned an early 70's Super Beetle and two VW type II Camper Vans in the past (last one in the 1980's).

I recently came across this Vanagon Transporter Camper for $600. It's in good shape inside and out and though it's been parked for 4 years I knew by looking it over that it should fire up.

Of Course the previous owner stated that it had been rebuilt several years before being parked and the engine looked fairly clean however, the stench of Varnish coming for the gas tank told me that I would have to handle some fuel system issues.

Anyway, If you fill the carb and fire it up, it runs great for several minutes until the fuel runs out. I don't seem to be getting fuel to the Carb. Bear in mind that this is the Mexico version as it has the 1.6 with the single barrel carb and mechanical fuel pump.

I purchased a new fuel pump even though I was sure this was not the problem after experimenting with the pump.

The fuel pump pushrod cycles up and down as it should however, since the new fuel pump is not working... I think either the cam lobe is worn or the fuel pump push rod itself is worn.

Any ideas or Suggestions?

Attached is a crude paint diagram showing how everything is currently set up.

Thanks for the help... Lou

[vdub6v]

I'd start with the push rod bc it is the easiest and cheapest thing to fix. When you buy a new one compare the rod length


What year van is this? 1.6L aircooled Vanagon? I thought Vanagons had a 2.0L aircooled with FI? Maybe this is just an odd Mexican model that I don't know