Fuel Supply - Volkswagen Beetle 1977 Owner's Manual

Battery
Fuel supply
The electrical system depends mainly on
the battery. Therefore, the battery should
be checked regularly and kept in good
working condition.
The battery is under the rear seat on the
right, as seen in driving direction Just
take the rear seat out (see page 47).
Never drive the car with a disconnected
battery as this may damage the electri-
cal system.
Do not expose the battery to an open
(lame or electric spark. Hydrogen gas
generated by the battery Is explosive. Do
not let battery acid come in contact with
skin, eyes, fabric, or painted surfaces.
\
Each filler plug has to be unscrewed to
check the fluid level in each cell If N is
below the indicator, top it up with distil-
led water Only fill up to indicator, other-
wise the electrolyte will overflow when
the battery is being charged and cause
damage.
How often water must be added to the
battery depends mainly on operating
conditions and on the time of year. As a
general rule, the battery electrolyte level
must be checked more often in the
summer than in the winter, and more
often when driving long distances.
The terminals and connections should
be kept clean and greased with silicone
spray or petroleum jelly. Make sure the
ground connection to the body is tight
and free of corrosion.
When working on the battery, be sure
not to short circuit the terminals. This
would cause the battery to heat up very
quickly, which could lead to damage.
Before having a quick-charge performed
on a battery installed in a car discon-
nect both terminals to avoid serious
damage to the electronic components
of the electrical equipment.
If you have not used your car for an ex-
tended period of time, have the battery
recharged.
VW with catalytic converter:
Unleaded luels only.
Note
Do not use fuel additives containing
sulfur, zinc, nickel or barium as they
adversely affect the catalytic converter.
All other VWs: Regular", incl. low-lead
and unleaded fuels.
The minimum octane rating is shown on
the label on the inside of the fuel tank
flap If regular fuels with adequate anti-
knock qualities are not available,
premium fuels should be used or mixed
with regular fuel. This might be neces-
sary when traveling outside the United
States or Canada if regular gasolines
have a lower octane rating than recom-
mended by the manufacturer
The Auxiliary Heater (optional equip-
ment) must be lurned off when filling the
fuel tank.
Never start or let the engine run in an
enclosed unvenlllated area. Exhaust
fumes from the engine contain carbon
monoxide which is a colorless and odor-
less gas. Carbon monoxide can be fatal
If Inhaled.
The filler neck to the fuel tank is behind a
flap on the side panel above the right
front tender. A finger moulding makes
opening and closing the flap easier.