Engine dies, but only going up long steep hills.

[Owl Man]

My car runs fine, but when it encounters a long steep hill (I live in Northumberland!) the engine dies on me. It had an electronic fuel pump (bought from Robsport) fitted a year ago by the person who owned the car before me. Today it happened and the engine died going uphill. I pulled over and left the ignition turned on and the ticking sound from the pump in the rear went on for about twenty seconds before it slowed to a halt. I restarted it and it got up the hill ok. It stopped going up another long hill about a mile futher on and the same process happened again. After that there were thankfully no more hills on the way home and she ran fine the rest of the way. Any clues as to what's going on would be gratefully received thanks.

[SGN]

Have you changed the fuel filter , could be partially blocked and not allowing enough fuel through when you need it.

Steve

[V Mad]

Take off the fuel line from carbs and put the end in a jar. Switch on ignition: check there is good fuel flow.

[Bob Heritage]

Check the pump pressure, I tested a few and they varied from 1/2 lb to 8 lb . Ideally you need 2 1/2 lb to 3 lb. I would guess that the pressure is too low.

[len]

i had a similar problem years ago, it took me a long time to find a wire from the starter motor was hanging loose and as soon as i went up a steep hill ,it would touch the chassis and stall the car.i dont think this is your problem ,but maybe worth a quick look !
Len

[Staggard]

How much fuel was in the tank? if the pick up pipe is short on a hill the fuel runs to the back of the tank away from the pick up pipe.Graham

[Owl Man]

Thanks to everyone for your replies. I've taken your advice and checked the fuel flow. The fuel filter was full of sludge. I've put a new filter on and I will take it up a hill or two when it stops raining!

[Owl Man]

Yes it goes up hills no problem now with the new fuel filter. Problem solved.

[AlanD]

Hi,

if your filter was full of crud, when was it last changed? could you have debris in your tank? it sounds as if you could have and you could be picking it up from the bottom of the tank, it will flow backwards when on a long uphill, just a thought it could help,