Fuel Guage issues

GregR · Post by **GregR** » Fri Aug 11, 2006 1:48 pm

As some of you may know, I had an issue about 2 weeks back with fuelling. Parked car when it had just ticked over into 'refill' following a 'spirited' day's driving, then the next day it wouldn't start. So, I put it down to the heat and bought myself a gerry can.

Well, the same thing happened yesterday. Set off from Newlands road in the Weedge with 17 litres, got back to the burgh and as I pulled into my space, it ticked over into refill. As I turned the key (after work), I heard a gurgling noise and the car wouldn't start. Yesterday was another hot one

So, besides never letting the car go below 15 Litres, are there any fixes for this? Is it a common prob?

Cheers chaps,

GReg

Post by **Shug** » Fri Aug 11, 2006 1:51 pm

There's a very good chance the fuel gauge is miles out. How much can you squeeze in the tank when it does this? Should be well over 35 litres (the gauge is a liar, it's nearer a 40L tank)

If you can get under 35 litres in it, there's a chance it's a dying fuel pump or the like... Heat in the tank can also vapourise the fuel a bit, so enough to run it when you park up, might not be enough to start it again.

You do switch the key to position 2 and let the pump run first, before attempting to start, yeah?

mac · Post by **mac** » Fri Aug 11, 2006 1:54 pm

I'd wager it's the MFRU on the way out.

It controls the starting relays.

I had severe problems with this kind of issue last year - mainly in the pit lane at Knockhill (had to get push started a few times) and replacing the unit helped alot.

I've still got an issue with it but not to the same degree.

Mac

Post by **Shug** » Fri Aug 11, 2006 1:57 pm

mac wrote:I'd wager it's the MFRU on the way out.

It controls the starting relays.

I had severe problems with this kind of issue last year - mainly in the pit lane at Knockhill (had to get push started a few times) and replacing the unit helped alot.

I've still got an issue with it but not to the same degree.

Mac

Did that coincide with low fuel? Surely that'd be happening whatever the fuel load?

mac · Post by **mac** » Fri Aug 11, 2006 2:15 pm

I think Greg's fuel load is a bit of a red herring TBH. It's probably just a co-incidence that it occured with the tank being on refil.

Or course the delay in getting the fuel would ensure sufficient time for the system & relays to cool.

It's not expensive or hard to replace - and it's where I would start first.

Mac

GregR · Post by **GregR** » Fri Aug 11, 2006 2:26 pm

Shug - always turn the key to 2 and let the guages do their flickering, normally as I'll putting my belt on. The gurgling i mentioned is after turning to stage 2 as the guages flicker.

Cheers,

Greg

Post by **Shug** » Fri Aug 11, 2006 2:31 pm

GregR wrote:Shug - always turn the key to 2 and let the guages do their flickering, normally as I'll putting my belt on. The gurgling i mentioned is after turning to stage 2 as the guages flicker.

Cheers,

Greg

Gurgling sounds like low fuel then.... or a shady pump - is it labouring? You should be able to tell from the tone (does it sound under duress?)