For those who never owned an early model VW Bug, the ones with no gas gauge, just floor switch for reserve, you would think simplicity equals less maintenance, not so Grasshopper.
So after replacing the dual 36 Dellorto DHLA with a set of 40's, that took all winter, as I tend to work in dribs and drabs and I have no heat in the garage.

So today, I finally got a nice day and could fire it up. maybe not- the pump wasn't pumping any gas. For once I was logical and checked the gas tank first-EMPTY. Strange I'm sure gas was in there last Fall. I didn's see any leaks so I added 5 Gallons Hi-Test with Stabill from the lawnmower can. Turn it over, ugh! not catching, sputtering, driver side carburetor was pouring gas down the two throats.

Off came the top for inspection. Ray Charles must have set the float level on this carb. (I rebuilt the pair about 10 years ago.) Better check the passenger side carburetor too -Great, right-on 6 mm from top.
Okay, time to Fired it up again. Wow! Sounds strong, very strong.

Going to let it warm up and then balance the carburetors, but ... I'm smelling gas! I peek under the front end- Oh no, Dripping gas!
Turn the engine off and crawl under with a drop light,- I hope, I hope, it's just a clamp that needs tightening and not the gas tank leaking.
My luck fell somewhere in the middle, it's the reserve tank switch leaking, another victem of the dreaded ethanol added to our gas.
I rebuilt this switch some 16 years ago (two years before we founded the SJVWC). the last one (original) lasted some 30 years and was not leaking.
Blackie didn't have a rebuild kit or a new one switch. So it's mail order. New rebuilding kit should be here in 5-7 days.
