Golf C Mk1

Hello,
I am new to the club so hi to everyone on here.
I have a 1982 Mk1 Golf C 1.1 which i am  restoring with and for my son.The engine runs sweet but is difficult to start,the manual choke operates but the only way i can get it to run is by taking the air box off and  putting my hand over the top of the carb.Once started it runs great and will start again,however if it is left for a while it wont start again unless i put my hand over the carb again.
Could it be the fuel is syphoning back and is it the carb or the mechanical fuel pump,although the pump looks new?
Many thanks for any ideas or advice.
Sean and  Paddy

From the sounds of it your Choke isn't working correctly.
As I don't know if you have a fuel leak issue but I would

One way to half arssse diagnose for fuel syphoning is to slightly loosen the fuel cap to allow it to vent so the fuel can't be Vacuum sucked back into the tank…

 

Remove air filter and pour a little amount of fuel in carb and see if it starts. If it does, then could be a faulty mechanical fuel pump or faulty solenoid switch attached to carb (you will need to carry out a simple test using correct voltage, see if the solenoid operates).

I would also check to see if there is fuel in the carb (be careful as you may need to replace the gasket if it leaks, you can source through eBay). Also check the carb jets…..smallest (pin sized) amount of blockage can cause issues. I experienced this with my 1.3 C (GF).

Also check air fuel mixture setting is correct

Hello Briano 1234 and Brinz,
I have found that the rubber pipe to the card was perished so i have replaced it which has helped.I also noticed a leak coming from the petrol pipe somewhere in front of the rear wheelarch so i will have to get it on the ramps and take a look.Hopefully it is the petrol syphoning back because of these two things.
Thanks very much for your responses.

Good to hear there is some progress…I don't have my 1.3 anymore, which is similar to the 1.1……im sure the fuel lines to the carb from tank run inside the car….you will need to remove rear seat and follow the lines……best check fuel tank for any leakage and fuel filler pipe to tank. Good luck and keep us posted

No the fuel lines should not be inside the car, that could be rather dangerous..

To check if the petrol is syphoning back, next time you come to start it remove the outlet pipe from the fuel pump (one to carb) and place a rag near the outlet. Get someone to spin it over on the starter for a couple of seconds. You should get healthy spurts of petrol instantly from the outlet.