I have been having trouble maybe once or twice a year for years with what appears to be a vapour lock after a short stop (5 mins. or so) on a long trip in warm weather (in at least the last 3 engines - possibly the same fuel pump though).
When I start off again, I get as far as the fuel that is in the Kadrons, then run out. If I am going fast enough, it will often pump more fuel through before I stop, but if I am going slow or have to stop, I have to pump it through with the starter, which can often take a while.
A similar thing happens if I run out of fuel - it takes ages to pump through to the Kads.
The last month or so, the starter has started cranking slow, and I have been worried it was my battery going - it has let me down twice in 2 weeks - once was a vapour lock after stopping at Taree for a few minutes, and again a week later when I ran out of fuel 50m from the servo in Kew. Both times I needed a tow (only for 50m or so) to pump the fuel through to start it as the battery ran out on me.
This afternoon I went to an auto electrician to get the battery checked etc. He checked the battery and reckons it was OK. He reckons the starter bushes are possibly worn - suggested oiling them and see if it impoved them in the short term. We ran out of time, or he would have also checked the charge rate.
When I went to leave, I didn't have enough battery to start it again, so he started it with a battery pack. I left it running while I put the back seat and all my gear back in, but when I went to go, the Kads emptied and no battery left to pump fuel through. The auto elec. had left by then.
Called the NRMA, and Peter, the bloke that came (was a beetle fan) just hooked the bulb pump off an outboard motor between my fuel pump and the carby splitter and pumped fuel into them that way - got to get me one. The battery had recovered enough by then to start it. I was heaps impressed by this pump idea.
However, I better try and sort this 'vapour lock' problem - will get the fuel pump checked first up. I think the fuel lines are OK, they are braided stainless. Anyone have any other ideas of what may be causing this?.

Hi Jeff

Maybe the pushrod is jamming in the fibre block. Is it an original style pump, they are always poor pumpers on the starter motor.

Go electric but get one of the ones that Vintage sell that have anti drain.

Steve

Hi Steve,

the one I have is a black round plastic one...
also have a spare the same....

Mine is sitting under the fuel tank...
and it has a switch under the dash to switch it on or off...

Jeff
do You have a so called hot start relay near the battery or starter motor?
they also help start the engine fast....
although they won't help if You have no fuel... lol

cheers

LEE

check the Vent line on the fuel tank and make sure you can blow air through it its the real small one

I had one blocked once before and it would stop the car

Also check the tank filter screen and front flex line to pan, sometimes a slow kink can do it. Otherwise, check fuel pressure ans flow rate from your pump, possibly too short in the pushrod, this changes if the dissy drive washers/shims get changed during your engine o/hauls.

I did really want to keep the original fuel pump, but when this one plays up, an electric one does sound good.

The current one is original style, so I will check the pushrod length and the sticking in the fibre block trick.

I should change the front fuel filter, it is nearly due, but as it only happens after I stop, and not when on full noise, even for extended periods. As it has been happening on rare occasions for years, I can't see it being a kink or filter problem either.

I have checked the vent pipe before, but not for a long time - I think that may be a good thing to double check.

Just thinking about the vent pipe, I actually had the fuel cap off at Kew when I was trying to start it, as I was hoping to drive up the driveway to the servo next door and fill up, so I cant see it being that.

Will still check it though.

COULD HAVE SOMETHING FLOATING IN THE BOTTOM OF THE TANK jEFF..

I have seen that happen a lot in the USA....

and why keep the old fuel pump Jeff?

maybe something is inside the pump causing the valve to stick open???

LEE

I found bugs a small bee, a wasp and a few flys inside my tank on the first dub I owned.

Woops, L bug........doh

Thanks Joel...........

It is only about 3 years since I had the tank out when I had the car re-sprayed, and I always take the opportunity to clean the tanke when I have it out.

I have heard of things in the tank blocking up the outlet, but usually it stops the car while it is going, then floats away while it is stopped, only to get sucked in again later when going again. Mine does it the other way, occurs after a stop.

I have ended up home this weekend (thought I was going to be working all weekend) so I will look at these things then (I the boss gives me time - she has a list for me - bugger).

YOU MUST HAVE THE TANK IN UPSIDE DOWN JEFF.... lol

LEE

Jeff if you want a starter bush or another starter to try give me a call.Cheers Les

Quote:

Originally posted by 68AutoBug YOU MUST HAVE THE TANK IN UPSIDE DOWN JEFF.... lol LEE