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My car keeps dying!
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1stpop



Joined: 03 Dec 2007
Posts: 109

PostPosted: Sun Sep 30, 2012 9:44 pm    Post subject: My car keeps dying! Reply with quote

After much help from the site (as usual) I have corrected the faulty fuel pump but now find that my car will run for about a mile or so and then just looses power? There is fuel in the pump and after a little while the car will start and run ok until it does the same thing again and dies?

I cleaned all the fuel lines etc when I fitted the new pump so am a little lost as to what may be causing this to happen? Just wondered if anyone has had the same kind of problem?

I have a lovely 1961 Hillman Minx series lllB - love it bout have only been out in it 4 times and its broken down each time - lol
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Rick
Site Admin


Joined: 27 Apr 2005
Posts: 22429
Location: UK

PostPosted: Sun Sep 30, 2012 10:13 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

I'm reading this as happening since the pump change - is there a rubber section in the fuel line, leading to the pump (as on a Pop) that could have collapsed internally? Also, are you getting pressure build up in the fuel tank - does it hiss whenever you remove the cap?

R
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gresham flyer



Joined: 06 Sep 2008
Posts: 1435

PostPosted: Sun Sep 30, 2012 10:19 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote



I have a series 111C.

Sorry to hear about your problem. I think it is one of those faults that is difficult to diagnose without looking at the car. Could be fuel related or electrical i.e coil,distributor etc. I have had similar problems in the past but every car is different when sorting them out,sometimes it stares you in the face ,then you can put the problem right.
I have had wires shorting out causing the engine to stall,airlocks in the fuel supply,blocked carburettors,faulty distributors etc .

Do you have any photo`s of your car to post on here.?

Gresham Flyer
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welshrover



Joined: 09 Aug 2011
Posts: 326

PostPosted: Tue Oct 02, 2012 1:14 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

have you tried to run it without the fuel cap on. i had a mk 2 escort years ago with that very problem it would run for a while then stop. leave it for a while then start it then it would run for a while then stop again. it ended up being the fuel cap breather was blocked.( its only a small hole in a hillman cap my wifes series v was partially blocked) and causing a vacuum in the tank there was still fuel in the pump too which was a puzzler Confused
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1stpop



Joined: 03 Dec 2007
Posts: 109

PostPosted: Tue Oct 02, 2012 9:00 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Brilliant idea Rover - how come when something goes wrong we always think its possibly something big? The first time this happened I thought I'd run out of fuel (I wasn't sure if the fuel gauge was working correctly after the alternator conversion) - as soon as I added fuel it was ok! Just had a look at the fuel cap and although it looks very clean the lock mechanism was covering the breather channel when the lock was locked - so I just changed it round to lock the other way - will give it a go at the weekend - fingers crossed!
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Farmer John



Joined: 18 Feb 2010
Posts: 181
Location: Manawatu NZ

PostPosted: Tue Oct 02, 2012 9:19 pm    Post subject: Minx Fuel System Reply with quote

Hello there Minx Man, that is a great classic which wants to be on the road.
Whether or not the fuel system is at fault it needs to be eliminated as a possible cause.
Now then, the first rule with fuel systems is to never use the hand primer for investigation, diagnosis, or anything to do with any suspicion you have in connection with any part of the system. Do not touch it.
Begin by removing the fuel line from the carb. Put some sort of bottle or similar over the pipe and wind the engine over on the starter. Keep in mind that fuel should squirt out in a solid stream and you need to be able to watch the flow, your container needs to be suitable. Hard to describe the flow, but if it is correct you will look at it and think that three or four of those spurts will fill the carb. Because there will be bits of petrol and bits of sparks fire is a possibility, keep a rag under the apparatus to soak up any drips.
That test will tell you most of what you want to know. If delivery is not good enough do the following.
Fit a rubber tube to the pump inlet, the other end in a pint of clean fuel, try again. That tests the pump.
If the pump is OK, temporarily replace the line from the tank to the pump with rubber tube, or plastic if you are quick.
If delivery is still inadequate it looks like the tank. Normally the mechanic listens at the filler with the cap off while the other guy gives the fuel line ( the car's own one) a blast of compressed air at the pump end but unless you have listened to a few that probably will not help. What it will do though is temporarily clear the tank and the fuel will flow at the carb for a while.
It is always a good idea to clean the tank in a situation where condition is unknown, so drain it and remove it. Remove the gauge sander unit.
Shake it, swish it, with half a gallon of fuel. Keep it moving while you invert it and while you get all the fuel out of the sender unit hole. Keep at it until the fuel comes out clean which might take half a dozen goes. It can be quite hard work, it is awkward and has to be kept moving.
As a matter of opinion, I would not use stones or chain or anything except petrol, but that is just me.
If the problem persists after these procedures just say, then we will get serious!

John
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1stpop



Joined: 03 Dec 2007
Posts: 109

PostPosted: Sat May 04, 2013 8:34 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Cleaned the fuel tank - bits of wood and all sorts in there - replaced all the flexible fuel pipe connections and she's running!!!!

Just need to pluck up enough courage to go for a run - fingers crossed!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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