Won't start after running out of fuel!

[kevcorks]

Hi all

After a bit of advice. I ran out if petrol thus morning and after filling it with around ten litres couldn't get her started.

Engine turning over but would not catch. Ran my battery down in the process too. Called the breakdown, who were no use really, but towed me home.

I've checked the plugs and leads, getting a spark. When I disconnect the fuel filter from the tank I'm only getting a dribble. I would expect a full flow. Disconnected the rank hose to filter and nothing comes out. If I blow into the tank then I hear the bubbles and then get flow for a few seconds, but then tails off.

Have I dragged a load of gunk into the pipe outlet of the tank with running it dry, or is there something obvious I'm missing.

Got my battery on charge so I will have another look later.

Thanks in advance

Kev

[kevcorks]

Managed to get her started after sucking fuel through to the back of the engine. Running a bit lumpy, stalling at lights occasionally. Don't know if there's a slight leak from the hose from the fuel filter to the engine that's causing a loss of suction.

Going to replace that and give the carbs a good clean. Anyone got any advice on doing this on a 1.9 litre? Pictures would be great.

Does anyone have any experience of using a redex type engine additive for cleaning. I've used one in the past on an old cavalier that ran like a bag of spanners afterwards and burnt oil when it didn't beforehand, so a bit dubious if they do more harm than good.

Any advice is appreciated,

Thanks

Kev

[CovKid]

On a run-dry with a mechanical fuel pump, you'll only get it started really by shoving an egg-cup full into carb mouth, fire it up until it dies, then repeat until its running on its own. This is because pump isn't going fast enough to draw it up the line. As for lumpiness, a good blast will normally clear it. Also, remove fuel inlet hose from carb and fetch out the small cone filter (large screw will normally grip it) and give it a really good clean under a tap with soap/water, dry it off then put it back.

This is where electric pumps win over mech ones as you can prime the line if you run out for any reason.

[kevtherev]

Renew the filter after the tank.
Clean the carb filter Cov kid suggested.
Check the pump is pumping good healthy squirts of fuel into a jug.

[CovKid]

If its not, just replace it with an electric pump then the next time it happens (hopefully not), you can prime the line and carb in seconds. I used to have loads of untraceable acceleration probs until I went to an electric pump. Now it just keeps up - regardless.

Nothing wrong with a mechanical pump as they usually give ten years or more service but modern repros may not be good. Don't know. Besides, electric pump is cheaper.

[kevcorks]

Thanks CovKid,

Going to give it all a good clean and flush out tomorrow, i've been on nights all weekend. I'll see how it goes.

How difficult is the electric pump change, is it a simple mod or not, and is there any specific pump i should be looking at,

Thanks

KevCorks

[CovKid]

Just search for 'facet' on here. You'll need to replace fuel line but thats no big deal.

[123-jn]

I had this issue when I first bought my van (on the way home), The underlying issue was that the shaft driving the fuel pump was worn 3mm too short so the stroke was not man enough to suck the fuel through in the life of a tiny battery. I did get it started with a pair of monster jump leads and a 120ah traction battery. But once the pump shaft was changed the flow was so much better.

[ScienceBoy]

Mine stopped working and I replaced with an electric (thanks to CovKid and others). It was a bit of a work up, and I reckon more money than simply replacing the mechanical pump.

I've now found my rod has been reduced in length (ooer) and the pump still pumps when I do it by hand, so I'm going to get a new rod and hold as a spare for when the electric one fails (at some point).

But start with the good clean through.

[kevcorks]

After it was stalling at lights I filled her up and used redex to give a clean, was a bit dubious, but bugger me, within 10 miles she was running better than she ever has, hasn't stalled once.

I'll continue to monitor and see how she goes.

[dsmith1974]

I just used up a bottle of red ex over the last four tanks or so. Seems to be less lumpy when starting. Hasn't done it any harm so might do it again once a year.