fuel filter empty

[markmark2]

Hi all, think I might sound like an idiot for asking this but here goes.
Haven't started the car since end of September. (I know I know) but been busy!
Fuel filter empty as is normal for my car after a long period of non use. New fuel pump does not pump fuel up from the tank when filter empty. But my old pump did before it failed. I disconnect the line to the fuel filter and fill it up manually with fuel. Reconnect, car starts first time, then pump works.
Question is, should the filter be empty after a period of storage or does it mean the carb valves are not sealing? And why doesn't the pump fill the filter as my old one did. As long as the filter has fuel in it, car starts first time.
Many thanks for any advice. Mark

[mike@thenook]

Hi Mark,

I'd expect the filter to be empty after that period due primarily evaporation, there's bound to be some local warmth that will evaporate what is left in the pipework and carbs but the fact your new pump doesn't appear to self-prime itself is odd - I'd have a word with whoever supplied it as it should do.

Cheers,

[markmark2]

Thanks Mike for the reply. I was curious but I've had the pump a few months. I suppose it's too late to complain. Is there anything that I can do? Thanks mark

[trunt]

What type of pump is it? SU?

Terry

[markmark2]

Hi terry, it is the electric one. Thanks Mark

[trunt]

LOL

yes they are all electric! I guess you mean it’s not a su then..

first thing is to remove the pipe from the filter and sim it into a container, turn ignition on and see if it pumps.. probably safer if you get someone to do the ignition! It should flow nicely, not splutter too much

terry

[markmark2]

Doh! Sorry - no it's not su. It wasn't pumping anything when I disconnected from the filter. I manually filled the filter and the then reconnected. Car started and then pump works. Mark

[StagJonno]

Another possibility. I understand these newish electronic pumps are very sensitive to low voltage. Once you got the car started, perhaps the alternator got the battery up to enough volts to get the pump started, which then did its business.

Had you had the battery on charge during the layup?

Jonno

[trunt]

Another possibility. I understand these newish electronic pumps are very sensitive to low voltage. Once you got the car started, perhaps the alternator got the battery up to enough volts to get the pump started, which then did its business.

Had you had the battery on charge during the layup?

Jonno

Now that makes a lot of sense...Not much else does.

Plus check the fuel inertial cut-out for high resistance, maybe temporarily bypass it should this happen again?

[singapore stag]

Doh! Sorry - no it's not su. It wasn't pumping anything when I disconnected from the filter. I manually filled the filter and the then reconnected. Car started and then pump works. Mark

I had this problem last summer when I fitted a new pump.
I found, after I tried everything, that the connections to the pump(banjo fittings and seals) were leaking slightly, thus sucking in air. It created an air lock which prevented the fuel from reaching the filter. I also reverse blew the pipe from the filter end just to make sure it was not blocked.
It was a metal bodied pump, forgot the make, nicely made, very strong but ****e due to it not sealing and fitting RE banjos.

[markmark2]

Many thanks all for your replies. Mark

[Lingen]

I have yet to see a fuel filter that doesn't appear to be almost empty even when the engine is running. This is because it is mounted horizontally, which traps the vapour. If you prefer to see it full, all you have to do is mount it with the outlet at the top.
Mike.