I'd imagine the overheat would be OK. As you suspect a carb problem
anyway, I'd say you have a problem with the autochoke. The carb fitted
you your car as standard (a pierburg 2E2) has a bad reputation that
isn't deserved: However, lot's of people *do not* have a clue where to
start.

I'll email you a guide I found a while back. It's quite big, so if it
gets bounced off your email, email me off-list. You may also want to
consider buying the Haynes Carburettor Manual, and have a look at Dave
Hall's website here:

http://home.clara.net/hallvw/watercooled/jettachoke.htm

You might also want to search the archives:

http://groups.google.co.uk/group/uk.rec.cars.vw.watercooled/browse_thread/thread
/afcf60bb2be452c9/6ed40d7fed508c99?lnk=st&q=2e2+choke&rnum=4#6ed40d7fed508c99

If the Pierburg really *is* knackered (but bear in mind, they're not
knackered as often as people think, especially the trade!), you can buy
a weber replacement kit that a competent DIYer could fit easily- been
there, done that.

Hi

My Mk2 1.6 Ryder was recently running ok apart from being a bit heavy
on fuel, which I was told was because my Carb is on its way out. i was
recently driving the car when my fan belt snapped and ran away. As I
didn't realise straight away I drove for about 3-4 miles without a fan
belt and realised when the engine started to overheat. Luckily I had a
spare which I fitted then and there and all seemed fine. The next time
a started the car from cold it sound really rough as though it was
misfiring, however this would disappear as soon as the engine was up
to temp.

Could some one tell me what I can check to find out what the problem
is?
I'm not a mechanic and not have much experience but willing to try, or
am I better of taking the car to a garage.

please help