TR6 Gold stars for TR3Driver&NutmegCT: it's a fuel delivery issue

[sammyb]

When last I posted, I had taken the TR6 out for its first drive since I bought it and did the head R+R and it had run fine for about 12 blocks then crapped out under load. It would rev in neutral after choking at idle for a moment, but would die in gear. I was thinking a bad connection/ignition or maybe fuel. Randall and Nutmeg said it was fuel, fuel, fuel.

So I finally got around to putting a clear inline fuel filter before the pump. Car started almost immediately and the filter filled up with fuel. Then as the car came up on the choked high idle, the filter drained of fuel. So they were right. Three gold stars for our experts.

Didn't have a chance to check the line leading back to the tank, but I have a suspicion that it's the pump that is dying -- just putting out enough suction to keep the car running at idle. I had previously drained the tank and fuel line. I can always drain the tank again and replace the fuel line outright.

 

[poolboy]

In light of that bit of information:

I think I'd try flipping open the gas cap if it happened again.

 

[sammyb]

I flipped open the gas cap. Made no difference.

 

[poolboy]

Then you can rule out a gas tank venting problem.

 

[Andrew Mace]

...but there might still be some sort of debris in the tank or in the line from the tank?

 

[Marvin Gruber]

Open the fuel cap, connect an air line to the fuel line where it connects to the fuel pump, blow air back to the gas tank, listen for bubbling in the tank to make sure the line is clear. As per earlier post, I 've have to replace gas lines in several TR6's that sat for a while.

MARV

 

[sammyb]

Marvin and Andy: yup that was already on the plan. Just didn't have time yesterday afternoon to deal with it. Already have the air compressor there with the nozzle hooked up ready to blow it back. I still think that the fuel pump might be an issue, but I always think the worst of any situation, so that I can be surprised and happy when it's a cheap and easy fix.

Meanwhile, I put the new seat upholstery/foams on, so once I get this fuel thing fixed, I'll be able to drive it comfortably (even if the car still looks like **** on the outside.)

 

[Andrew Mace]

Well, you might also find that, once the tank and fuel line are clear, that you also need to clean some gunk out of the fuel pump (filter or not)!

 

[sammyb]

Not a bad idea, Andy, to do a quick go-through of the fuel pump either way, because it will give me a good look at the diaphram. Since it was running without a fuel filter, I'm guessing I'm going to find some junk in there.

 

[sammyb]

Went up to my shop today and put the air hose to the fuel line (gas cap open, of course.) The first pull of the handle sent the nozzle out of my hand from back pressure. Put it back on and pulled, holding it tightly...and after a little pressure it let loose and I could see the vapor coming up from the tank. Whatever was in there broke up and pushed out. I couldn't see it in the tank with a flashlight.

When I started the car, the fuel flow was normal, even under throttle. Sounded pretty darn good, actually, for a car that really hasn't been driven in years.