Its not happy

[Tinker]

Following getting as low on fuel as is possible without running out my van is not at all happy. Starts ok, revs ok but as soon as any load is applied it dies....any suggestions on where to start would be much appreciated. Fuel filter? Thanks

[MattBW]

What engine is it? Diesel by any chance? Sure could be a dirty fuel filter.

[Tinker]

Sorry, no, petrol 1.9dg....

[CovKid]

Fuel filter/s likely if you began sucking up the sediment. Less fuel will be delivered, or at least quickly enough, and i'll die under load. There are two on 1.9 petrols (if petrol) - one at the front underneath and a cone filter tucked inside brass fuel inlet on carb.

[Tinker]

Many thanks! So presumably start with the front one....

[moospop]

We have had exactly the same problem a couple of times, but ours was following going over a heavy bump in the road.
I just kept my foot to the floor whilst trying to pull away and it cleared itself, but there was a bit of crap in the front filter, so maybe a bit got through to the carb.

[Tinker]

How does the crap get in the fuel in the first place?

[CovKid]

Generally its from the tank itself but any rubbish in the fuel tends to sink also. Do check one tucked inside fuel inlet. Thay can really crud up over the years. You need a largish self tapper to fetch it out.

[itchyfeet]

Try the filters first but could also be a blocked jet
When you say any load do you mean just pulling away or going up hills or speed?

[kevtherev]

How does the crap get in the fuel in the first place?

Rotting fuel lines.
The perishing lines release crap into the carb filter

[Tinker]

No, by load I mean simply pulling away from stationary on the level...

[kevtherev]

No, by load I mean simply pulling away from stationary on the level...

Reads like your transfer jet could be blocked.
As the vacuum increases the carb comes off idle jet and tranfers to main.
The transfer jet is operated by the accelerator pump on the carb
It simply squirts neat fuel down the throat of the carb.
This action smoothes out the transition.
It can be checked

Other reasons of note is an air leak into the carb or manifold
The choke pull down unit is chief suspect here when the engine is warm.
Or your vac lines need attention

[Tinker]

Thanks very much for the info. Filters I can tackle but jets and carburetion may be beyond me....may have to take it in!

[kevtherev]

Thanks very much for the info. Filters I can tackle but jets and carburetion may be beyond me....may have to take it in!

I don't think so
Simply remove the air duct on top of the carb
Look down into it's throat ( if the choke flap is shut hold it open) then get a child or adult to press the accelerator.
You should see a healthy squirt of fuel appear from the jet.
Easy huh?

[pionte]

[/quote

Look down into it's throat ( if the choke flap is shut hold it open) then get a child or adult to press the accelerator.
You should see a healthy squirt of fuel appear from the jet.
Easy huh?

or operate the accelerator at the carb end yourself ( If you dont have any friends or children )