1980 VW Rabbit Starting problem

[gordondean]

I found a 1980 VW Rabbit Cabrio on craigslist for $300. It had been sitting under a canvas tarp for 3 years after having been driven for around the country 2 years by a college kid who had bought it from the original owners who had used it as a summer car at a high campground. After tearing down, cleaning up, replaced gas tank, fuel accumulator, spark plugs and wires, changing oil, oil filter and fuel filter....got it running and it ran fine. A small fuel leak developed at the point where it exits the fuel filter
so instead of paying $65.00 for a VW fuel line we cobbed a hose and some clamps and replaced the 4 inch line. It immediately started sputtering big time in 1st and 2nd and a there was still sputtering as the RPMs went higher in 3rd. After several days of this, now it it difficult to start and once you drive it for a wghile and then stop, the engine will not start again until 10 15 minutes has past. ANY IDEAS?

[zatrony]

this definately sounds like a fuel problem because of the sputtering...however, it could also be the points...you want to start with that faulty fuel line to ensure proper flow .. once you have that in place, see if you can get your hands on a fuel pressure gauge and see if you have proper pressure in the system (the specs for that are in your repair manual or im sure you can find them online). if theres faulty pressure, check for any more leaks. if no leaks, i would consider a fuel pump. sometimes those old pumps tend to fail when they get hot. since you've been messing with the ignition system, a new set of points would also benefit you..they're cheap and a snap to put in..hope this helps

[moparvwfreak]

points are a PITA to deal with. there is another option. replace the points with factory electronics. i just did this swap on my 79 rabbit and it helped with the starting. i used stuff from an 81-84 rabbit\gti adn it was a pretty much direct drop in with the exception of having to change 1 wire. let me know if ya want ot do it adn i can walk ya through.