It's happening..... Breaking down in France

Discussion in 'Mech Tech' started by AndyC, Sep 12, 2015.

  1. So, been in France a week. Done about..... 1000 miles so far.
    No real issues, other than the hot start problem which I now think is down to a hot solenoid.
    Anyway....

    Was driving from Dijon to Paris today.
    About 4 hours and 170 miles.
    Stopped after 2 hours for fuel, had hot start problem but got it going.

    About an hour from our destination, typically as we are about to go through an 8km tunnel (!), the throttle appears to stutter under mid-range.

    Nursed it home for the hour to the campsite, and here we are.......

    Have left engine off to let it cool, then will check plugs, leads, coil, oil, etc.

    The only thing that is worrying me is that there is a "whirring" noise from the engine, with the ignition off.
    Appears to be coming from the centre towards the back, near the inlet manifold (?).
    Black thing, top centre of this pic.

    [​IMG]

    What could be making the noise, and more importantly, should I worry?!
     
  2. Nah ...
    You're nearly home and it's still running - tomorrow's another day :thumbsup:

    FI .... hmmm - sorry , can't help but @paulweeding might be along soon ..

    :hattip:
     
    Last edited: Sep 12, 2015
  3. Did cross my mind. Does that have power going to it even with ignition off? Every now and then there is a gurgle, the whirring stops and it starts again.
     
  4. Shouldn't do no.
     
  5. Well whatever it is has stopped now I've disconnected the battery.
     
    Lasty likes this.
  6. If @Paul Weeding can offer any advice, be much appreciated.

    It's "only" 5 hours driving back to the UK, but need to be sure it's safe.
     
    Lasty likes this.
  7. Razzyh

    Razzyh Supporter

    Bit extreme dropping the engine isn't it?

    I'm sure it's fine drive it home.
     
    cunny44 and CollyP like this.
  8. Not my engine :p

    I will have to end our holiday early and nurse it home.

    It still starts and drives, just not perfectly.

    It probably is the fuel pump, but not sure where/if/how I could change it out here.
     
  9. rickyrooo1

    rickyrooo1 Hanging round like a bad smell

    fuel pump is under the van near the rear left wheel looking from behind if you need to check.
     
    AndyC likes this.
  10. WHOOAAAH !
    Slow down ..
    Take a beer and chill out !
    Find out what's wrong before abandoning ship .Hopefully it will be an easy fix .
    I haven't got a clue with fuel injection stuff but would guess at a solenoid or fuel pump playing up - not the end of the world though ...

    :hattip:
     
  11. I had issues in France......it behave like it had a flat spot, I think it was the 95 E10 fuel causing it.

    What have you filled up with?
     
  12. 95 E10 fuel.

    Although we've been through about 4 tanks of it with no issues until today.
     
  13. Found two suppliers of fuel pumps.

    About 60 Euros.

    Do you think it's worth buying one and fitting it?
    Is it more likely to be this more than anything else?
     
  14. The pump should not work with the iginition on but only when engine is running, its controlled from the relay/ecu. The pump will screem if no petrol is getting through ie blocked filter. Just a idea give the relay a tap. Pump is easy to change (if you can get one must be bar 3 pressure for Fi) by clamping the feed in fuel line first.
     
  15. I'd be on the first ferry home ...:thumbsup:
     
  16. If the pump is running with the ignition off, then it'll be the double relay at fault...
     
    paradox, IZZYBAY, AndyC and 1 other person like this.
  17. Check all of the rubber pipes for splits... as an air leak can cause a stutter

    Oil temp/dipstick test? Any increase in engine temp?
     
  18. Shut it. In fairness, you're the nearest so should come help!
     
    Merlin Cat, Lasty, Lord Congi and 4 others like this.
  19. I have an oil temp gauge. No change.

    Drove very slow (55 on motorway) to try and help hot start problem.

    Is the relay easy to change?
     

Share This Page