I had a bit of a problem yesterday afternoon trying to drive home from work. The bug started losing power as I left the office (around 25th in Hillsboro) and headed down Jackson School Road. I first felt like I lost a spark plug wire (running on 3)... then 2.... then dead.
I was able to coast into a dirt road turn-out to survey the problem. First thing I noticed was that my carb linkage was not synced up. Unfortunately I did not have the right tools with me to fix it. Since I still in Hillsboro - I decided to give Mark a call to see if he could lend a hand. At that time he was leaving his office (in downtown Portland) and he would pick me up if I was still on the side of the road when they passed by.
I managed to fire up the engine and limp it back towards Mark's house. It made it as far as Evergreen before it died again. I was sitting on the side of Evergreen when Raleigh pulled up behind me and offered to lend a hand. We were able to get it moved to a school parking lot on Evergreen where there was some shade.
Mark called back a while later once he got home (and didn't see me or my car along the route or at his house). He brought some tools, a tow bar, and his red convertible (it has a hitch on it). After some troubleshooting, it appears the EMPI electric fuel pump is crap - big surprise. I am only getting a trickle of fuel to the carbs and it isn't filling the carbs fast enough to keep the car running (even at idle). (the linkage wasn't the problem)
After attempting to make an almost idle only drive home Mark towed my car (with the red vert) back to his house and Raleigh gave me a ride home to Beaverton. Late last night I drove the van out to tow it back to my house.
Big time kudos to both Mark and Raleigh for helping out a Volkster in need! I really appreciate the time and effort you provided last night. Thank you!
