Wont Go - Why?

J

Johnny

New Member
I have a good fat spark at the plugs.

The tank was empty, so I put a fiver in.

It seems that the fuel isnt getting up to the engine and there's no pump handle to prime it.

The car has stood for about 5 years - any ideas?

Anyone else had a similar problem?

Johnny. ???
 
You could do with some more fuel in the tank than that Johnny. Stick three or four gallons in there at least. This should dilute any stale fuel in the system and give a good 'head' of fresh fuel. It will probably need many spins on the starter to pull the fuel through. (give the starter a rest after a few spins though).

If no joy then check the pump diaphragm hasn't perished and check that the petrol isn't being pumped into the sump! also check that the operating 'arm' is still intact.

Also, fit a new fuel filter if you haven't already, and change it again after a few tank refills.

Good luck!

;)
 
But not with an auto though!

Hard to check, but there isn't also any sediment/rust flakes blocking the tank outlet is there. Worth checking if its still no go.
 
Johnny, you said it seams like fuel isn't getting to the engine, have you tried removing the fuel line at the carb end and then turning it over, see if it flows out.

If nothing comes out, try disconnecting the line into the pump, and either suck (very very carefully) or apply a little air pressure into the tank to force fuel down the fuel pipe.

If it appears blocked, you could use an air line or similar to blow back down the pipe to the tank, should clear any pipe blockages.

On very desperate occasions I have poured fuel straight into the carbs and then cranked it over, should start.

Richard
 
Thank you all!!

Yes it is an auto otherwise I would have given it a snatch.

There is no fuel at the end of the fuel line when it is cranked.

How is the best way to check for sediment in the tank?

Much appreciated in advance!

Johnny. ;)
 
I broke down a few times with fuel vaporisation and the pump would not draw even after the car had cooled down. It just would not prime no matter what we did and that was with a rebuilt pump.

The AA man used a pump that he connected to the top of the filter to prime the pump. You might be able to improvise something with a bicycle pump (turn the washer round to get it to suck) and if you stick with a mechanical fuel pump carry it in the car with you as you'll probably be needing it fairly frequently!
 
We ran out of juice in the 2000 a while back & it took AGES to get the fuel back up to the carbs. I'd put more than a fiver in the tank though. These days that's an insult to any REAL Rover.
 
This might sound a little silly, but try yanking the petrol reserve on on the dashboard! That'll suck the last dregs out of the bottom of the tank!
 
How many batteries have you been through ?
Could be the valves not opening, after 5 years of draining the hydraulic tappets.
After my 1969 3500 had been standing for 11 years, it took 3 fully charged batteries before it started :)
Good luck.
 
BB.

I'll try something like that! There is NO fuel at the filter at the mo.

I intend to have a go on Saturday - I will let you know the outcome.

THANK YOU TO EVERYONE - STAND BY! :(
 
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