Fuel not pumping through

[Tommac]

After a mouthful of petrol and no proper syphon operation I have a hand operated syphon thingy arriving tomorrow. I really hope I can disconnect the fuel pipe and clear out the pipe with a track pump.

[Tommac]

Ok it’s working and thanks everyone for contributing.

I eventually had to remove the fuel tank. With the fuel gauge sender removed I could see that there was a filter on the end of the pipe. I used fuel to flush out the tank ( by inverting it) several times. There was a lot of rust. I used a bicycle track pump to clear the tank to the filter and the fuel pipe back to the pump. Reconnected, it all worked. I just need to get a new gasket for the fuel gauge sender ( which hadn’t been working properly- it was covered in dust-like corrosion) and new screws for the tank plus renew the gasket. Thanks again.

[svenedin]

Well done and thank you for letting us know the outcome because closure in a thread helps others in the future.

Happy motoring!

Stephen

[don58van]

Note that there have been several posts about leaks from the fuel gauge sender after re-installation. It might be worth your while searching to see how they were resolved.
Don

[myoldjalopy]

Yes, I fitted a new tank several years ago now and there was a leak around the sender. I tightened up the screws and it was OK for a month or two, then it started to leak again. I tightened the screws again and it has been fine for years now. I'm not sure how the screws could have loosened though, its a bit odd...

[svenedin]

Yes, I fitted a new tank several years ago now and there was a leak around the sender. I tightened up the screws and it was OK for a month or two, then it started to leak again. I tightened the screws again and it has been fine for years now. I'm not sure how the screws could have loosened though, its a bit odd...

There is another thread about this that I have just revived. Perhaps the cork gasket takes time to settle at a stable thickness and until it does the screws become loose after a while? Maybe the cork swells and contracts in response to its moisture content depending on the atmospheric humidity. Greasing the gasket liberally would in theory prevent moisture affecting the gasket?

Stephen

[myoldjalopy]

Yes, I don't think I did grease the gasket but it would probably be a good idea.

[Tommac]

I’ll keep my eye on it thank you. As you know it’s not instantly accessible as the boot shelves need to be unbolted and removed. I got the Moggy out today for the first time after fixing the rust problem and she went well. I had the usual problem of stopping but don’t want to fit modern brakes.