Engine will not stay running?

HEATHER DAWN

MEMBER
1970 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE
70,000 MILES

I think the choke has stopped working. It will not stay started unless I stay in the car and play with the gas peddle so it doesn't shut off.

I will get it fixed but mechanic is backed up so have to wait.

Will It damage my engine if I drive it that way? Does it matter how far I drive it before I get it fixed.

I just do not want to damage my engine.

Thanks so much.

5 Replies

BORIS K

MECHANIC
799 POSTS

Hello,

Apart from being very inconvenient you will not damage your engine if the choke does not work. Just keep the engine revolutions high enough for it not to stall until it will idle on its own.

Here is a great video on how to check and adjust the choke/carburetor:

https://youtu.be/iBJkl_31758

Please let us know how you get along.

Cheers, Boris

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Tuesday, August 24th, 2021 AT 2:03 AM

HEATHER DAWN

MEMBER
3 POSTS

Hi, thanks for this. It was very helpful.

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Tuesday, August 24th, 2021 AT 12:05 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,758 POSTS

Hi,

Heather, Boris is correct with everything he mentioned. Have you had any progress with adjustment or repairing the problem? We are interested in knowing.

Take care,

Joe

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Friday, August 27th, 2021 AT 9:14 PM

HEATHER DAWN

MEMBER
3 POSTS

Hi, well it seems my mechanic is backed up so cannot get to it for a couple of weeks. Basically, I am just not driving it much in the meantime.
Thanks for asking.

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Saturday, August 28th, 2021 AT 11:52 AM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,758 POSTS

Hi,

That seems to be a common issue recently. Please feel free to let us know if there is anything we can do to help you.

Take care and keep us updated.

Joe