Fuel issues

I posted this over on the Jeepster Commando Forum as well, but might get some response on the issue here too.

Okay Gonna try to run this down and cover all the points and hopefully someone can steer me in the correct direction.

When the Jeepster was bought, was told it had a Vapor Lock, based on the way the fuel line was run I thought it might be as well. Further diagnosis when I got it home besides a shot motor we thought it might be electrical since Alt was shot as well.

30+ days later heres what we have.

Full and fresh rebuilt 225, everything new and built perfectly.

New Offy Intake, and Holley 390 with Electric choke.

New Alt

HEI to replace the old Distributer.

Fuel pump, new and perfect, Fuel filter although not clear new as well.

Now the Jeep has a new tank that was put on by the PO not sure of type of tank but it's 26 Gallon think it may be an Aero? no clue but here is a shot:


We ran the cam break in yesterday and during idle we have no issues, where we start getting issues is during driving with demand for gas flow. I have ran it with the cap off the tank with no results.

The Jeep runs 10-15 minutes and then dies. It will immediatly start right back up without sitting and run for another 10 minutes and die again.

AT this point I am assuming there may be a kink in the fuel line or pinhole somewhere in the line in the tank. However I talked to the PO and was explained that the vapor lock was a new occurance before he sold it.

The jetted return line is not hard line but rubber, this isnt DOT legal but I cant see a reason this cause the problem. The fuel line to the tank appears to be in good order. Up behind the tank is a differnt story as I havent had a chance to drop the tank and look at it.

When it dies the bowls are empty but tap on the gas and crank full and running again Imediatley but only for 10 or so minutes again.

My options left are to pull the tank and check the lines, but before I do that wondering if anyone else has an idea of something to check.

 

Seems like your going to have to pull the tank but before you do check out the thread (about 8 down on the forum list) by trickpactrick regarding fuel delivery.

 

Really sounds like a partialy pluged fuel filter that cant keep up under load.

 

I'd prolly do an output/volume test of the fuel pump first.
Pull the hose at the carb (get a longer hose if needed) and a Coke bottle or equivalent container.
start the engine and let it idle ( BE CAREFUL)
it should fill up that bottle very quickly in very short time, with about 3lbs of presuure.
if not, then from the pump on back is most likely a restriction problem.

you could put a tee in the line from the tank and hook up a vac gauge
while idling, if you get a really high vac reading, it could mean an obstruction/kink in the line; the fuel pump is working too hard.

 

Already checked pressure off the pump. Its good, you say 3lbs we have 6lbs by measure.

The fuel filter is brand new, replaced with the rebuild.

I was out at the shop today to take a quick look at it again sinec I have a few minor issues with the Holley and the offey trying to get a catch on.

The tank, which I have no idea brand or make or even if its custom has both out and in ports welded into the top right hand side. I forgot to get a pic of it.

I will pull the filter off and double check it again, but its brand new and I can't imagine it clogging that fast.

Oh simply since the motors purty heres a few shots of it

 

Its not a pressure issue, its a volume question.

Only under load or high demand.
I had a car do this, finally had it put on a dyno and they found the filter in the tank was gunked up.

you shouldnt have a tank filter but its something like that.

Restriction is only under load or demand, something is restricting high flow rate.
how about the carb.
Bit of junk behind the seat and needle.

In your last pic it looks like your dist. is 180 out.
Is that number one at the bottom of the dist.

Seems odd, just thinking....maybe just the pic..

 

I thought about the volume of the flow under load as well since Like I say it idles forever and even 1st gear low speeds seems not to have a problem, just when you hit 3rd the load can't keep up.

I need to go over the fuel line with a fine tooth comb and make sure I see no kinks, I might even need to replace it to be safe.

Someone has replaced it before me, might be debri actually clonged in a bend in the fuel line some where for all I know, since in Reality its not a tight clean job on the line run.

The line runing to the engine bay appears to be 5/16's do you think that is fine? Not sure what proper fuel line size is with these engines.

Yes that is 1 on the bottom of the Dst, its lined up and firing in the proper order.

 

5/16" for the main line, 1/4" for the return. Sounding more and more like a kink in the line or a dirty sock in the tank.

 

I agree with the kinked line / dirty sock thing, For what its worth I went through a similar problem on a waggy, Turned out someone put another fuel filter back by the tank, As the filter slowly became plugged my problem got worse until it would have to set several hours to start again. The fuel pump was working under a hard vacuum to pull fuel through this plugged filter and by the time I figured it all out the fuel pump was shot also, When I got the filter off I could barely blow air through it.
You may have a fuel filter you dont know about under there somewhere.

 

It's Fixed!

I honestly can't say which of the following fixed it but I decided to do the whole shbang.

I ran new hard line Inlet and return to the tank.
Droped the tank, emptied it cleaned it out.
Put air Pressure on the Inlet and return tank lines thought there might have been a small obstruction but nothing for certian.

Hooked it all back up, and she purs like a kitten now. Well she doesnt pur since the PO has nothing but Glass packs on it. That will be taken care of next week.

I will get some pics of it up later next week when I finish some minor details and work.