1979 FI Super Beetle Start Problem

Sounds like the carburetor float bowl is leaking or the choke is not working. On a cold start the choke plate should be closed. As the engine warms up the choke plate should open up. Press the gas pedal to the floor once on a cold start. Release the pedal and with your foot off the gas pedal start the engine. It's probably time for a carburetor rebuild. Whatever you do, do NOT buy a replacement carburetor and turn the old one in for the core charge!! I've been down that road before and it turned into a disaster!! Having the original carburetor rebuilt is the way to go! Hope that helps! Jim

Look down the throttle and open the barrels ( hit the gas , engine off ) , there should be gas squirting from the side somewhere , Thats the accelerator pump , cold starts need a little extra gas to fire up and when you give it gas while driving .. Like jim said rebuild the original and pay attention to detail .

Your car has ELECTRONIC FUEL INJECTION. If it starts with fluid and then runs, I suspect that the problem lies with the fuel pump. It's not building up enough initial pressure. Try this: turn the ignition on for a few seconds, listen for the pump, then turn it off. Repeat this five times. Fuel pressure should be enough to start the engine. Then have a mechanic fix this.

Looks like fuel injection was optional for this vehicle. I'm seeing both a carburetor and fuel injectors listed. I do see (now) the FI the original poster wrote. Sorry!! Jim