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Post by markymark on Jul 20, 2014 13:13:55 GMT
Hi Guys, My P5B wouldn't start today. After a while I discovered that the float chambers were empty. I then disconnected the pipe from the fuel pump and turned the engine over. No fuel being delivered...
I'm guessing the fuel pump is broken or needs a rebuild? Before I strip it down I thought I'd post here to see what people think?
Also, I've toyed with the idea of fitting an electric pump. Any opinions on that? Is it a worthwhile mod?
Thanks, Mark
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Post by 71coupe on Jul 20, 2014 13:36:22 GMT
Hi Mark,
I had a similar problem last week. It seems my gauge was over-reading by about 1/4 of a tank. Have you tried topping the tank up with a can of fuel? I've found that the pump may not be able to suck enough fuel up past the filter unless you have a certain amount of gravity to assist it.
Andy
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Post by guidedog on Jul 20, 2014 14:09:59 GMT
Mark if you disconnected at fuel pump you will get fuel with gravity (syphoning).If no fuel as said "check fuel levels"
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Post by guidedog on Jul 20, 2014 14:31:27 GMT
Hi Guys, My P5B wouldn't start today. After a while I discovered that the float chambers were empty. I then disconnected the pipe from the fuel pump and turned the engine over. No fuel being delivered... I'm guessing the fuel pump is broken or needs a rebuild? Before I strip it down I thought I'd post here to see what people think? Also, I've toyed with the idea of fitting an electric pump. Any opinions on that? Is it a worthwhile mod? Thanks, Mark If you both look at the previous thread it may help. Gravity to the pump is minimal its all down to the pump.The pump was able to cope when new. now its debatable
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Post by markymark on Jul 20, 2014 15:54:40 GMT
Thanks for the responses guys.
I have just put 5lt of fuel in. That didn't make any difference.
So, I have now removed the fuel pump. On doing that I noticed that there was no fuel in the line coming from the tank to the pump. Does this mean I've got a blockage in the fuel line?
Btw, the pump seems to operate ok by hand, but I'm not sure that is enough to conclude that it's ok....
Any further thoughts would be welcomed.
Thanks, Mark
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Post by Phil Nottingham on Jul 20, 2014 16:43:25 GMT
Fuel should siphon out of the tank normally unless level is allowed too low. Try reserve! It may be half way open -check underneath
f no joy tank strainer or lines may be blocked - P5B cap seal can let water into the tank which causes corrosion.
Delivery pipe can be removed easily from top of tan in the boot behind the trim board
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Post by guidedog on Jul 20, 2014 16:46:52 GMT
Hi Mark With the fuel pump removed the fuel should flood out, normally you have to disconnect the fuel line at the top of tank to stop syphon effect on the line.It would appear you have a serious blockage there somewhere.I have never into the fuel tank so not sure what is there,possibly another filter.
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Post by 71coupe on Jul 20, 2014 17:38:23 GMT
Fuel should siphon out of the tank normally unless level is allowed too low. Try reserve! It may be half way open -check underneath f no joy tank strainer or lines may be blocked - P5B cap seal can let water into the tank which causes corrosion. Delivery pipe can be removed easily from top of tan in the boot behind the trim board A lot of cars have had the reserve cable disconnected at some point. If you look underneath and follow the fuel pipe(s) to the centre you'll find the junction between the 'main' and 'reserve' fuel lines. It should be biased by spring pressure towards the main set of lines but, it is possible for it to get knocked or vibrated open. It would be worth a look, even if it was just to check the pipes weren't corroded/leaking.
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Post by markymark on Jul 20, 2014 20:21:36 GMT
Hi guys, Thanks for the suggestions. I got under the car and found that the valve for main/reserve was blocked. I've cleaned it out and started the process of putting it all back together.
Will let you know how I get on....
Cheers, Mark
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Post by Phil Nottingham on Jul 20, 2014 21:22:39 GMT
Blocked with what - there should be a nylon filter on the end of the tank pick up which often splits and drops off. Tank may need draining as there must be a lot of debris in the bottom
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Post by markymark on Jul 20, 2014 21:32:18 GMT
Hi Phil, It was like dirt. Wasn't obviously rust or anything else. The valve was jammed on reserve. Would that have any effect?
Cheers, Mark
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Post by Phil Nottingham on Jul 20, 2014 21:46:08 GMT
Reserve picks up lower down the tank which will be more murky with dirty fuel as it swirls around as the car moves. Best to run on normal
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Post by markymark on Jul 20, 2014 22:02:14 GMT
One more thought. When I go to restart the car with empty fuel lines, do I need to do anything to prime the system? To get the siphon effect working again? Or do I simply crank it over on the starter? Cheers, Mark
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Post by guidedog on Jul 21, 2014 9:12:31 GMT
Just crank it over
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Post by markymark on Jul 21, 2014 19:05:22 GMT
Well I cranked it over and got nothing. In desperation I got some fuel into the carbs with a funnel through the feed pipe and then she burst into life.
She then kept on running. Hooray!
Seems to be fine now. I can see that Fuel is coming through from the tank to the filter.
Bit concerned as to why it didn't go on the starter, so will keep an eye on it. Wondering whether the pump isn't as efficient as it should be and needs a rebuild after all.
Anyway thank you to those that commented. A great help. Much appreciated....
Mark
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Post by Phil Nottingham on Jul 21, 2014 20:56:06 GMT
The pump is barely adequate even when new and as linkage wears the throw is reduced so output and pressure goes down ie its just got not enough suck in it which also encourages vapor lock too in warm weather. It may be part blocked with the debris too?
For quick starting a Facet electric pump is the only reliable option. Loads on search with various options but ensure lines and tank is clean
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Post by johnwp5bcoupe on Jul 22, 2014 5:50:44 GMT
The pump is barely adequate even when new and as linkage wears the throw is reduced so output and pressure goes down ie its just got not enough suck in it which also encourages vapor lock too in warm weather. It may be part blocked with the debris too? For quick starting a Facet electric pump is the only reliable option. Loads on search with various options but ensure lines and tank is clean Also the Lobe on the cam can be worn if there has been infrequent oil changes? as Phil recommends convert to a Farcet pump
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Post by Roy of the Rovers on Jul 22, 2014 10:00:05 GMT
A strippable inline filter wouldnt hurt either. Mine suffered rust from the tank and it was a god send to be able to unclip it and clean it out at the side of the road if needs be.
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