Rabbit Stalled a few times - now won't start

[vibraphone321]

My 81 rabbit was had been running well for the most part until it stalled while accelerating up a slight hill. It lost power while driving and and the rpms slowed way down until it was running really ruff and then stalled. The first two times this happened it started right back up without a problem and ran great for a day or two. This last time that it happened it won't start up again.

Any thoughts on where to start troubleshooting?

My plan is to make sure that it is getting fuel by loosening the lines at the injectors and turning it over.

Thanks,

Dave

[TylerDurden]

Check for bubbles?

If you can bottle-feed it and drive it, you can validate/invalidate the fuel-filter & lines.

[82vdub]

Classic clues of fuel starvation. Check that you are getting good fuel flow to the IP. Could be a plugged filter, fuel line, or inlet screen in the tank, or something along those lines.

[vibraphone321]

Check for bubbles?

If you can bottle-feed it and drive it, you can validate/invalidate the fuel-filter & lines.

So, I should take the line off that feeds the IP and put in in a bottle of diesel?

[82vdub]

Yes, and use an in-line filter in it as well. This will eliminate any fuel delivery issues that may be present on the chassis of the vehicle. If you can't get it to start, verify you have fuel coming out at the injectors.

[Fatmobile]

Do you have clear fuel lines.

[vibraphone321]

Do you have clear fuel lines.

No I don't. Can I buy them through VWDieselParts.com?

[CarlosA]

You can buy them anywhere.

Also, check your in tank screen. I pulled mine out 5 minutes ago after experiencing a crappy idle - and its 100% covered in algae from biodiesel. I have no idea how to get the algae off but it sounds a lot like your problem.

[vibraphone321]

I am having a hard time finding the 3.5mm clear fuel lines. Do they need to be any certain material, or will anything work?

[TylerDurden]

The choice stuff is polyurethane, but vinyl from the hardware store is ok (it gets stiff after a couple years, some guys also put a piece of rubber around vinyl at the ends to cushion the hose clamps).

[82vdub]

I use the cheap (like $.29 a foot) vinyl clear lines. It's been on ole 82 for about 3 years now, and it's starting to get hard. It's a 10 minute job to change it. To me, not worth the extra money for the expensive stuff, since the cheap stuff will work with a little maintenance every couple years. I don't recollect the size line needed, but it's common SAE sized stuff.

[CarlosA]

I got a bunch of clear/greenish colored "Tygon" hose from napa in both 1/8" and 1/4" - works perfectly.


Just stopped by my local import auto parts place and about fainted when he said these are still available.


Here is a clogged screen


And here is my fuel routing - the T in the return lines simply removes the always leaking cap from the end injector

[82vdub]

Knowing VW, those screens probably are still used today..............

the T in the return lines simply removes the always leaking cap from the end injector

I did the exact same thing!

[TylerDurden]

Yellow tygon line is very nice, but can cost a bit.

My biggest beef with vinyl, is air leaks: the stuff gets stiff when cold and leaks a bit around the barb fittings.

Lines that stay soft seem to seal better for me.

[Fatmobile]

Lots of posts on here about what kind of clear fuel line to get.
I'm in the blue urethane from the motorcycle shops club.
I think tygon looks good but is soft and spendy.
Vinyl shrinks so cut it long.

I see the in-tank screens for the rabbit are available,.. with a screen that isn't as fine as the original.