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usual "van wont start" problem

Posted: 18 Mar 2011, 19:15
by elmo makaroy
van has been running fine for a while now, jumped in it just now and it started, then spluttered, then died, now it just starts and the splutters and dies when i put my foot on the throttle, any ideas?
its like its run out of fuel but i just filled it up before i parked up yeaterday, it had a new fuel filter just a couple of months ago and as far as i can see it doesnt look blocked and i can see fuel coming into the carbs when i pump the throttle but i can hear a sound like pumping air when i press the throttle, is that normal? or do i have some sort of air leak in my fuel line?

Re: usual "van wont start" problem

Posted: 18 Mar 2011, 21:37
by Aidan
spark ?

Re: usual "van wont start" problem

Posted: 21 Mar 2011, 15:01
by elmo makaroy
i havnt checked the spark but i assume its ok as the van does start up and then immediatly die as soon as i put my foot on the gas, unless the spark is a litle dodgy and sparking on every other beat, if that makes sense,

wot should i look for? it was raining the night before the van wouldnt start, could water have got into somewere it shouldnt have as i have had problems starting the van after washing it before,

any ideas?

Re: usual "van wont start" problem

Posted: 21 Mar 2011, 15:17
by Ian Hulley
WD40 round cap, leads and coil

Re: usual "van wont start" problem

Posted: 21 Mar 2011, 16:16
by elmo makaroy
i have just taken off the fuel filter and it was clearly blocked, before the van wouldnt start i did run out of fuel and had to fill up from a jerry can to get to the petrol station , i think that this had kicked up all the crap from the bottom of the tank and blocked the fuel filter and possibly the fuel pump.

after cleaning out the filter under the tap (as i do not have a replacment to hand) the van started and then cut out again, and now it looks like the filter is blocked again straight away, so i need to get a new one tomorow,

only other thing i want to have a look at is the fuel pump, can anyone tell me were it is located? and how i go about removing it to inspect?

thanks

Re: usual "van wont start" problem

Posted: 21 Mar 2011, 16:27
by Novice in need
What about the small filter in the carb inlet? fuel line runs into fuel pump then onto fuel inlet on carb that is where the small filter is, needs taking out using a screw carefully screwed in just enough to grip it so it can be pulled out.

Fuel pump is next to the oil tower it comes off by unbolting 2 bolts and there will be a push rod petruding out (check this for wear whilst you are there, cant hurt).

Re: usual "van wont start" problem

Posted: 21 Mar 2011, 17:11
by BOXY
What about the small filter in the carb inlet?

Elmo has got a twin solex CU engined van so no carb filter to check.

Re: usual "van wont start" problem

Posted: 21 Mar 2011, 18:05
by elmo makaroy
does anyone know were there is a pic online/have a pic of it, so i know wot im looking for?,

thanks

Re: usual "van wont start" problem

Posted: 21 Mar 2011, 18:08
by Novice in need
:oops: Well dont i look like a Dumb A*** .... However in my defence i did have a quIck peek at his profile but couldnt see anything there.

Thanks for the heads up thou BOXY :)

Re: usual "van wont start" problem

Posted: 21 Mar 2011, 18:11
by elmo makaroy
when you say oil tower do you mean the dipstick tube? sorry if i sound thick

Re: usual "van wont start" problem

Posted: 21 Mar 2011, 18:16
by Novice in need
Dipstick is behind (filler tube is lower going through to the number plate) the tower looking in from the rear door, the tower is on the right and the fuel pump is right next to it on the left.
Thats in my van anyhow.... il try getting a pic of engine :ok

Re: usual "van wont start" problem

Posted: 21 Mar 2011, 18:28
by BOXY
Elmo, follow the petrol pipe from the tank, along the underside of the van and you'll come to the pump. (I don't think it's near the oil tower on a CU engine?)

Re: usual "van wont start" problem

Posted: 21 Mar 2011, 18:31
by Novice in need
Novice in need wrote:Image

trying to get pic on ere of engine Grrrr lol

Ok its just visible at the bottom of picture ... sorry for delay... black top of it with half of it not visible due to it being cut out by pic (theres a wire connector infront of it)

Re: usual "van wont start" problem

Posted: 21 Mar 2011, 18:31
by Novice in need
Found this pic aswell the fuel pump is visible next to oil tower (sorry if this is not helping) BOXY's suggestion sounds like a very good suggestion if these pics arent helping?

Image[/quote]

Re: usual "van wont start" problem

Posted: 21 Mar 2011, 19:04
by BOXY
Elmo, your fuel pump, if it's the original mechanical one, is on the lower, right hand side of the crankcase next to the flywheel. If the paper element inside your fuel filter hasn't split then no "crap" should have got to your fuel pump anyway. The Haynes shows an internal filter held in place by a plug on the side of the fuel pump you could try to take that out if you want to double check.