Fuel starvation

Post by **johnm** » Wed Dec 01, 2004 6:52 pm

Twice recently our Minor has shown symptoms of fuel starvation, once after a short run and once today after about 2 hours at 60mph, the second such run of the day.

There was (is) plenty of fuel in the tank and a short period on the hard shoulder of the A1 and a couple of restarts seemed to clear the problem.

I can only think of two reasons for this. One is a petrol pump on the way out, the other is some problem with air locks possibly due to tank venting not happening properly. The Minor does have a locking fuel cap.

Any other suggestions will be very welcome!

Post by **Willie** » Wed Dec 01, 2004 7:25 pm

When it failed was the petrol pump ticking away madly OR
was it not ticking at all until you gave it a sharp tap (with the
ignition on). If a sharp tap was necessary to start the ticking then
clean the pump points. If it was ticking madly then you were probably
suffering from fuel starvation due to vapourisation due to overheating.
If it happens again check the colour of the end of the exhaust pipe
immediately, if it is off white then you have experienced chronic
fuel starvation. obviously,if it was a case of a vacuum in the petrol
tank then removing the filler cap would cure this fault immediately.
If neither of the above situations apply then you could be looking
at an intermittent ignition/coil/capacitor fault. If it splutters and coughs
to a standstill then it is likely to be petrol problems. If it stops SUDDENLY
then it is more likely an electrical problem.

Post by **rayofleamington** » Wed Dec 01, 2004 7:47 pm

If a sharp tap was necessary to start the ticking then
clean the pump points.

It is worth to have a good look at the points anyway - if they look rather burnt or worn then a replacement set is only £10 (much cheaper than calling a recovery company ;-))

Post by **Chris Morley** » Wed Dec 01, 2004 11:34 pm

In addition to the above, it could be dirt/rust particles in the fuel tank getting caught in the fuel filter mesh (effectively causing fuel starvation).

Post by **johnm** » Thu Dec 02, 2004 7:21 pm

Many thanks one and all.

I'll give the bits a once over and wait for the next instalment!

Post by **ColinP** » Thu Dec 02, 2004 9:53 pm

And my twopennyworth -
Check the radiator top hose!

I think I've cured a problem by stopping the leak (fine mist of water over the HT system.....)

Colin