My 1.8 carb engine revs high!

This is what happens:
1. the car doesn't start when I turn the key(when the engine is cold) unless I boot the accelerator first and gently keep my foot on it
2. Revs run high at idle (rev counter doesn't work but it's very audible!); I reckon it's idling at about 2 -2.5
3. When you turn the ignition off the engine when hot it runs on a bit
4. On a hot day, the rad. fan doesn't seem to kick in and the engine feels really hot

Now, I'm not particularly technical but I'm willing to try anything not too complicated - any advice you lovely people can give me will be very gratefully received as I'm not driving the car very much because I'm worried it'll over heat (I expect most of you will know what to do about this with your eyes shut!)

sounds liek a few faults, I'd start by checking the coolant channel o'ring in the inlet manifold (see the 2e2 carb faq) but check its actually a 2e2 carb first and not a weber. if it doesnt have a choke handle then its probably a 2e2!

Thanks for your info. The carb is definitely an original and not Weber. I took the car to a VW specialist who was recommended to me by a very reliable mechanic I know…the consequence of which is that he thinks one of the rubber hoses has perished, therefore letting more air into the carb. This has been pretty much confirmed as he wiggled said hose around and it seems to have solved the problem albeit it temporarily!
I have a question though…car is going back in on Wednesday to get fixed properly; if the hose isn't the issue the mechanic said that he may need to replace the carb and /or  ditch the automatic choke and fit a manual one, is that really necessary?! I can't imagine it would need that drastic an operation, would it? although I know automatic chokes can be a pain when they don't work properly I really want to keep the car as original as possible

Like rubjonny said, you'll need to check the coolant channel o-ring to have any chance of your auto choke working properly.  I would go through the 2e2 FAQ in order and detail.

My view on your 4 points

1. Start by checking that the 3 point unit is fully extended for around 8 seconds when you start the engine from cold.  The 3 point unit being out in effect is like putting your foot on the accelerator. If it is not extended then you may have a fuse out, check 18 and 19

2. High idle on warm sounds like the o ring being blocked and/or faulty wax stat which as it heats up it pushes the idle down.  

3. I think the 3 point unit retracts fully when the ignition is turned off to cut the engine and stop the run on.  It should then almost immediately pop back out.  Have a loom at what happens

4. Rad fan is controlled by the thermostat at the bottom of the rad (passenger side).  Check the fan works first by unplugging it and hooking up to battery and check it works. If the fan works it is probably the thermostat.  Take it out and clean it as mine had a thick coating of crud on it which once cleaned off revived it. They are £8 new so cheap anyway

There are lots of hoses on that carb, and some of your symptoms could be related to them.  For the auto choke to work you have to check that the o ring is clear and giving a good flow of coolant from the head to choke.  Quick test is that the choke cover should be red hot to touch after the engine is runni g for a few minutes.

What I have learned is that there are no quick fixes with this carb.  If you have the time and inclination then persevere and once running properly the carb is awesome.

basically you have 2 choices:
1. read the 2e2 faq and check EVERYTHING, take your time and the result is a carb engine which runs as nicely as a fuel injection engine

2. replace it with a weber carb. its simple job and easy to tune and fix i9n future, just have to deal with the manual choke

there is no right and wrong answer, your call

Hey rubjonny - where is the 2e2 FAQ located, i cant find it mate.....

stickied at the top of the carb section

an update! My carb has officially died, and the car needs an emergency Weber transfusion . Any recommendations of where I should buy one? I also need a new fusebox so a recommendation of where to get that as well would be great.  Thanks guys!