So I think my fuel filters need checking first of all before fiddling with anything else but wondered if anyone else here might have experienced similar? The van has been running well for a couple years now but on our way back from south wales at the start of the summer I noticed the engine stuttering while at speed when applying the accelerator pedal. Take the foot off the gas and it runs nicely. It's now getting unbearable to drive and when under load, like driving up an incline, it can be particularly annoying and I have to dump the clutch, rev through the stutter and re-engage the gears and slowly crawl up in first. I can only assume that there is some Marmite in the fuel line filter that throttles the demand when the van needs more gas. Interested to learn of any other similar experiences? Thanks Folks
What engine and fuel delivery type? I regularly have to change the square FI filter on Chip, well every couple of years.. And tbh, why would you not doit as a service item? I bet a lot are overlooked, especially FI ones that are a bit 'special' with the different spigot sizes either end. I always carry a spare as its (relatively, if clad in a rubber suit) easy to do roadside....ask me how I know
I had this in France on our way back to the chunnel was the fuel filter, gave it a squeeze or two it was as good as gold the rest of the 800km back, changed it when I got home (i also now have a rubber suit). I think it could've been the fierce fuel delivery system in France. Did you fill up in Wales?
Change your fuel filter every year regardless of miles done ...just in case fuel tank has traces of carp in it .
Does sound like fuel starvation. I’d check your fuel pump as a first step. Disconnect the hose to the carb, run it into a jamjar and turn the engine over. You should get good healthy spurts. Also worth (as I know only too well) taking the pump off and checking that the pushrod hasn’t worn right down. That will kill your fuel pressure.
What dizzy / vac advance setup are you running? This could well be timing rather than fuel. Just an alternative idea to consider.
I would replace the fuel filter and fuel lines while you are at it. Place the new fuel filter under the fuel tank outlet over the gearbox. Inspect the old filter and you would probably see lots of rust inside, so its doing its job. Perhaps you would say what engine, carbs, fuel pump, dizzy you have so you would get correct advice.
Also have you got a rev limiting rotor arm. Mine went faulty and the problems went away when I fitted a standard arm.
Had the same on my Fi and ditto carry a spare and a brake hose pliers to block the fuel line when changing the filter
Are you running a vacuum advance distributor ? Vacuum hose in good condition and in place ? Diaphragm in good condition ? Worth checking. Stirlingmoz
Hi guys, still tinkering. Changed the fuel filter and it was indeed needing a change. I have a 2.0l type 4 engine. The filter is near the starter, below the tank outlet prior to feeding the fuel pump. Tonight I have been checking the fuel pump ( this was recently replaced) by disconnecting the pipes from the carb and into a jam jar. Theres good fuel supply. I have now been adjusting the idle screw gingerly and will test drive tomorrow. While I had the air box off I noticed a pipe that I can't remember if it should connect to anything or not? Anyone know if the metal pipe connecting the two sides of the carb requires a hose off the small diameter pipe in the middle? Thanks Guys
Yep, that goes to the warm air control valve that’s on the underside of the right hand air filter horn which then loops to the warm air valve itself. Do you have the warm air valve? If not, blank the little pipe off as it allows fresh air into the combustion mix. The warm air valve is the little box thing that’s sits on that circular rubber ring to the right and at the rear... I’d also check out the braided rubber hose on the connections to the carbs from the breather pipe - looks like the left one has seen better days and could be letting air in.
