Car breaking down, carb leaking fuel

[66bugguy]

Got in my car to drive to work, it sounded like it was running a little funny when i first started it, but i figured it just needed to warm up. I get about 5 mins down the road and it dies when im idling at a stop sign. I get it back started and it runs for about 20 feet then dies again, the only way im able to start it and get it out of the road is holding the accelerator to the floor, when it starts theres a big black puff of smoke from the exhaust, which i assume is just a ton of fuel. I get it pushed into a neighborhood and open the decklid, and i see fuel drips from both sides of the carb. I was able to get it started, drive it 5 feet at a time to get over a hill, pushed it the rest of the way home. Anyone know why this could happen? I had a similar issue with a quad a while back with a messed up float from sitting, but to have this happen randomly seems strange.

Sorry if im asking too many dumb questions lol, im 16 and owning this car is a learning curve compared to other stuff I've driven.

[KingAir42]

I think it's awesome that you're 16 and learning. I got my first bug at 16, and I'm 42 now, still learning. I had a similar issue recently, and mine ended up being a leaky intake port. Maybe check for air leaks?
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A stitch in time saves nine

[scarabee]

The accelerator pump is a usual culprit for leaking. Overzealous tightening of the four screws can lead to warping, leading to leaks. Sanding both surfaces on a piece of glass can get them straight again. Leaking at the throttle shaft usually means a worn bushing.

[mukluk]

Sounds like the engine is flooding, most likely from the float needle valve getting stuck open. Tapping on the float bowl with a screwdriver handle can possibly unstick it, though the best thing to do long term is pull the top of the carb off to properly clean and inspect the needle valve, float, and float bowl (could have debris coming in from the tank).

Easy way to tell when the needle valve is sticking open is to remove the air cleaner and start up the engine. With a stuck open needle valve, you'll quickly see fuel dumping or spitting out of the discharge nozzle and/or float vent tube.
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1960 Ragtop w/Semaphores "Inga"

[Bobs67vwagen]

I give you credit for wanting to learn at 16. When I was your age I got a manual called the "idiots guide to Volkswagen repair" by John Muir. It covers all the basic repairs and is written in an easy to understand manner with occasional humor. This will help you understand a repair such as what what mukluk mentioned about the float needle valve. I see it for sale sometimes in the samba classifieds and also on eBay and I think it would be a good place for you to start. Good luck with your bug.

[rcooled]

As mukluk said, the first thing to check would be the fuel inlet valve in the carburetor. Assuming that your '66 still has its original 30PICT-1 carb, the fuel level in the float bowl should normally be 3/4" down from the top of the bowl, with the gasket removed and the float in place.

[66bugguy]