The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop Mouth-to-Filler Mouth Resuscitation

While driving yesterday, my engine died. I'd sure like some suggestions about what the problem could be. Here are the details:

Outside temp was about 80F. I'd driven less than 2 miles and was going 40mph over fairly flat ground. Gas gauge was showing 1/4 tank. I assume it is accurate, but not 100% certain.

Engine stalled unexpectedly, I couldn't restart it so I coasted to a stop. The fuel filter bowl was only half-filled with gasoline. Even though the filter has about 50 miles of use, I removed it and keyed the engine. No fuel pumped into the bowl.

I put ~1.5 gallons of gas in the tank. Fuel still didn't flow when I keyed the engine.

I removed the discharge fuel line at the pump and saw no fuel dribble so I removed the inlet fuel line at the pump and STILL saw no fuel dribbling.

I went to the filler neck, made a seal with my fingers, and blew as hard as I could into the filler neck. (There was a lot of back pressure.) I went under the hood to see if I had flow at the inlet line and I did. Gas was dribbling out at the line that attaches to the pump inlet.

I reattached the fuel lines and filter bowl (leaving out the filter) started the engine and drove home. It runs a little choppy now, as if it is rich.

This is the second time this has happened. The first time (1 month/50 miles ago) the engine stalled after driving 100 yards on a cool morning. Fuel tank level was similarly "1/4" full. I pulled everything apart downstream of the inlet fuel line including the pump and found nothing. I replaced the filter just in case and didn't have any problems until yesterday.

Thoughts?

Thanks,
Bill

Did you check for crap in the fuel tank and or a flexible line collapsing on the inside?

That's what I'm thinking too.

Now that it's done it, your carb could have junk in it too, yes, even with a fuel filter.

So then it sounds like, when the tank gets low, the debris is more concentrated and it fouls the line.

Thanks for the thoughts- I'll work on fixing it (and going through the carb too.) A minor annoyance!

Bill

If the gas tank hasn't been gone through you could well expect to find something like this which means all the offspring have moved down stream.
Where gas gremlins are born

Actually, the tank is less than 7 years old, fairly recent by Stovebolt standards. That is why I didn't immediately assume debris. However, I usually don't maintain a full tank, and don't drive hundreds of miles per month, so I think it is reasonable to assume there could be some rust building up above the fuel level.

Thanks for the photo. Although the tank is fairly new, I'm not so sure about the sending unit. That could certainly be my source. As much as I hate to do it, I think I'd better take it out and check it.

Bill

make sure your fuel lines are compatable with ethanol "enhanced" fuel.That crap does bad things to old rubber parts.In Florida we have a good availability of non ethanol gasoline for boats so its all I put in my truck.

Here's another thunk from a recent experience.
If the fuel line hoses are old, you could be losing suction from the pump.
I could blow through the hose that went to the pump inlet and hear bubbles in the tank (checking for obstruction).
I still couldn't get the pump to deliver.
I pulled a section of hose, crimped one end and blew into it and air could be heard... though it wasn't leaking.
I replaced it with new hose and problem was solved.
Jerry

Thanks for the points. Except for a 4" splice where I used rubber fuel line (purchased this year), all lines are rigid metal from the tank to the pump, and the pump to the carb. I feel I'm reasonably protected from ethanol damage due to the rubber being brand new. We only have E10 locally.

I was afraid I might have experienced some kind of vapor locking or pump failure. From the responses, it sounds like I need to devote my attention to debris.

I'll siphon out the tank, check/replace the sending unit, change the fuel filter, clean the carb, then fill'er up. She should be fine.

Bill

No short flex line right out of the tank valve before the steel line?
Here's one from Jim Carter

I'm going off of memory here. It's probable that I have a short length of rubber at that joint- I don't recall off the top of my head.

Do you think JC's is E10 suitable? I would imagine so.

Bill

I'd guess so but who better to ask then the seller?