Stale Fuel?

[Rebelstag]

Hi, Had a blonde moment. Decided to use the Stag to pop to work at the weekend to give it a run and forgot that it was nearly empty and I didn't have my wallet either. Never mind when the clicking fuel pump told me I was about to run out I thought never mind put in the 5 litres from container in the boot. On the way back strange noises from the engine loss of power and then it ground to a halt. It would restart with the choke out but wasn't happy and eventually gave up. The very helpful AA man checked decided since I had checked there was fuel going to carbs and plenty of spark that the fuel I had put in was stale (very possible it was pretty old) but even though we pumped out the old fuel and put some new in no joy. Car now back in my garage. Anybody any ideas of the best way forward?

[singapore stag]

Yes, try this....

thrashingqo8.gif

[pcoleman]

things you should do. plugs out and clean,set and dry them,check fuel filter is not full of crud,plenty of fresh fuel and give it a whiz. things you may have to do. plugs out and get them hot on gas stove,refit whilst still hot (wear gloves) carb elbows off and tip a little extra fuel down the carb throats to keep it running if necessary (had to do this on mine) be patient it will live again it's just paying you back for giving it crap fuel !

Pete.c

[jakesmig]

Must have been really old fuel, last year I got the MG back on the road after it had been laid up in 2007 when I bought the Stag. Charged up the battery and it started 3rd go, ran for about the next 150 miles on what was left in the tank.
John.

[jleyton]

I mentioned on here about fuel going off a while ago and several people said it doesn't happen, but I've had it and seen it several times - maybe it's different makes (cheap supermarket fuel ?) that suffer.

Anyway, I reckon stale fuel could well have been your initial problem but, to me, even more telling was your clicking pump which says that you've reached the dregs. So, as Pete's said, you'll have picked up crud and I reckon cleaning that out thoroughly, from EVERYWHERE could be your answer - change the filter, clean out the float bowls etc etc.

Good luck

Cheers

Julian

[V Mad]

Its not good to run an old car till the tank is empty. Picks up too much crud.

[Staggard]

This one time ! when I broke down the AA man said " s**t in the fuel mate" I said I tried that did'nt help one little bit (Not really Sorry was that a bit strong) seriously though I've had dead fuel a non starter for no reason changed the fuel fired up stright away. Graham

[Rebelstag]

I put some new plugs in and they don't seem to be getting wet so as fuel is pumping up to the carbs I think the float chambers are the next area under suspicion. The top end of the carbs seem Ok.

The Rebel

[Rebelstag]

I have the carbs off and there is about a half inch of fuel sat in the bottom of the inlet manifold - Is that normal?

[Rebelstag]

Hi Everyone,
Thanks for your all your help. The Rebel Stag lives again. It finally fired into life amidst clouds of crap from the exhaust and then blubbered upto running temp. Sounds Ok but needs a test run. Has anyone a suggestion of an additive to help clear the crap?

Rebel Roy