I have a 1974 1600 that starts easily cold and will start easily if I restart it immediatly after shutting it off. If it sets for more than 5-10 min its very hard to start. starts rich after that

is it a diesel

No, it's gasoline. The carb will adjust and it runs like a champ driving and at idle.

does it have the right viscosity oil in it

Fuel injector leaking?

just bought it 3 weeks ago and ran a tank of gas through it so i'm not sure of the oil type. i will change it and replace. will that affect a warm start?

is it flooding through the top of the carb if the float is stuck

doesn't appear to be coming from the top of the carb and the smell of fuel isn't strong. but when it does start it's running very rich until it's cleared out.

are you mechanically inclined

somewhat, just haven't played with a VW for a while am pretty familiar with how it all works.

can you clean the float bowl if it hasn't been cleaned since 1974 that might be you problem

i will try that. Thanks.

rebuilt the carb and still have the same problem. could it be the fuel shut off valve? it make a noise like it's popping on and off but don't know how to test it.