Scirocco Register

engine starts as normal but after a few seconds cuts out and dies. aa man said it was either a blocked fuel jet or auto choke playing up ??
any help resolving the issue or finding a replacement auto choke mechanism would be appreciated.

Always check the fuel filler neck. If thats rusty chances are that'll be your problem

Also check the rubber gasket the carb sits on top of the manifold, they are prone to cracking/spilting and letting in air.

You can find info on here about others who have problems with this gasket/carb mount.

If this fault only occurs following a cold start, check that the choke pull open-unit is working. This is a small black plastic dome shaped unit held to the carb body with a roll pin. It contains a diaphragm that often fails. A plastic linkage opens the choke flap a few millimetres following a cold start to prevent the engine from "choking up" and stalling. If the pull-open unit linkage fails to move when the engine starts, it is likely that the diaphragm has failed. This operation can be checked even with a hot engine. Before condemning the unit, make sure that all the vacuum pipes are all still connected and are not perished or leaking. Some older models used to display the vacuum pipe connections on a sticker on the under side of the bonnet. The unit can be easily replaced on the Pierburg carburettor without having to remove the carb top.

Agree entirely with earlier comments! This will be the diaphragm in the Pierburg Choke Pull Down Unit that has split. THe part is readily available on the internet and costs about £40.

I replaced one on my 1.8 GT in an afternoon with basic tools.

It is the black circular plastic thing at the front edge of this photo.

turns out it was most likely a combination of years of grime and a nicely rusted filler neck.
filler neck replaced and went down the manual weber road never to look back.