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Problems starting engine after refilling totally empty tank
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Pegasus
New User
Jun 1, 2012, 9:32 AM
Post #1 of 4
(7310 views)
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Problems starting engine after refilling totally empty tank
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This concerns a Vauxhall Astra 1.3L engine 1987 car of course without any fancy modern electronic components, that runs on petrol and has a carburettor.
Yesterday I totally run out of fuel, due to a faulty fuel indicator that was misleading me by showing there was plenty of fuel when in fact there was very little, and the car stopped. I went to a nearby petrol station about 1 Km away and got 4 litres of fuel in a plastic container that previously contained car engine oil. The container was filled up by the station's assistant and then I took it to the car and poured it into the tank and which then started promptly and drove smoothly the 1 Km to the same petrol station where I filled up the tank.
Then the problems started, after going just 50 meters from the petrol station the engine suddenly stalled and wouldn't start though it was cranking at first. After a few attempts when I turned the ignition key nothing at all happened, it was dead, then about half an hour later when I tried again it started immediately. It went for about 1 Km where I stopped for a while to do some shopping and then it started without problems and I drove off but after another 1 or 2 Km of driving it suddenly stalled again. Then again as I was trying to restart and it was cranking but not starting but suddenly started when I tried later after about 30 minutes and drove smoothly 3 Km home.
But next morning problem again the engine cranks quite strongly and almost starts but in the end it fails to do so.
I took out the pipe from the fuel pump to the carburettor and with someone trying to start the engine with the ignition key I could see plenty of fuel coming out of it which I suppose means the fuel pump works fine and sends out a good flow of fuel. Someone suggested to me perhaps the petrol station assistant gave me diesel fuel by mistake but then if he did so why did the engine start so easily and run smoothly for 1 Km to the petrol station?
Given that the problems started after the fuel tank became empty and was refilled I assume these problems have something to do with it but can someone figure out what really happened? I am now beginning to suspect that a lot of filth from the empty tank was sacked into the carburettor and blocked it. Or could it be that my repeated attempts to start the engine damaged some component that perhaps was already badly worn and on its way out? Eg the starter.
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Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Jun 1, 2012, 12:24 PM
Post #2 of 4
(7256 views)
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Re: Problems starting engine after refilling totally empty tank
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In tank fuel pumps are cooled and lubricated by the fuel in the tank. When you run a car out of gas or very low, it pumps a lot of air through the pump which overheats it and causes some severe wear and many times, failure when they cool off.
You will need to use a fuel pressure gauge to verify this
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We offer help in answering questions, clarifying things or giving advice but we are not a substitute for an on-site inspection by a professional.
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Jun 2, 2012, 2:55 AM
Post #3 of 4
(7228 views)
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Re: Problems starting engine after refilling totally empty tank
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HT - reading between the lines this carbed vehicle as stated and quick ability to remove a line to see fuel strongly suggests a mechanical pump on engine.
Original poster: It still doesn't help to run out of fuel. Note that this car was never sold where most regular techs here are from. For the moment, I wonder about what was left in the containers used when you ran out. If just dirty the filter should have caught that. If they still had substantial oil in them that could be an issue. I'd replace the fuel filter no matter what now.
If diesel was put in I think you would have smelled it and it wouldn't run for crap mixed with 4 liters of diesel in a "petrol" engine.
Try both a fuel pressure and volume test. Try not to ruin your starter if pumping fuel into a container by just cranking engine. 15-20 seconds is enough IMO then let cool down. Check if that fuel looks funny or dirty in a glass jar.
Other: If the fuel gauge is inoperative and not to be fixed, at least count how many KMs you know it will go from full and keep track that way,
T
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