Fueling issues... Help!

[poxxxy]

While the engines turning over the fuel filter does not fill with petrol.  Under vacuum only a small amount of fuel is visible in the filter. But much more air is entering from somewhere.

The pump itself I'm not sure is even doing anything!

any help appreciated as there doesn't seem much out there at the minute.

Was hoping to fire her up today and many weekends working.

[DeVilleChris]

Try replacing the fuel line from the tank to the filter/pump. I had this issue on my 79' aircooled and I changed the pipe and tank and it fixed the issue, there was a hole in the pipe pulling in more air than fuel.

[poxxxy]

Cheers DeVilleChris, I had a feeling it was something like this but my old man wouldn't have it at first but eventually agreed. Best take a look tomorrow!

[Hazey-n-Marc]

Fuel lines and unions are worth checking, also filter if you have one. The pumps can be an absolute pain though, why lot of us have electric pumps.

Marc

[poxxxy]

Hmm yes an electric pump sounds like a nice idea. Any procedure to drop the tank or is it clear enough from underneath?

[Hazey-n-Marc]

Just three bolts. Attaching and removing pipes is the hard bit, you will want the handbrake off (not removed, just not on) so you can get the cable out of the way a bit.

Marc

[poxxxy]

Thankyou Marc, Hmmm just 3 bolts eh. Make it sound easy but heard some nightmare stories of it taking some ppl 3 hours or more. Guess I will have to get her up of the floor as much as possible and see what's happening under there!

[Hazey-n-Marc]

Someone told me after we did mine that you can gain access to the pipes at the tank end by removing the rear passenger side card. Might be worth a look. Think it only took Stuey and myself an hour or so, I would recommend borrowing a Stuey if you can find one, they are invaluable for 126 related experience (other enthusiasts of different names are also available).

Marc

[DeVilleChris]

Changing the tank is very easy in itself, getting the pipes back on afterwards is a nightmare..

as Marc said its only 3 bolts hold the tank on but getting the return pipe and filler pipe back on is difficult. I had to ask my brother as he has smaller hands haha 

Chris

[poxxxy]

Yes a Stuey would be nice, not sure theres any local members to me at the minute . When its running perhaps I'll be able to make a journey or two to see some other 126's!

I might take a look behind the door card panel, although I noticed kev said he wished he never bothered as it offered no help .

Are the pipe connections able to be got to without removing the tank/bolts at all? or are they well hidden? Never got round to managing to get it up on the ramps today but will have to get it up asap!

[Hazey-n-Marc]

I'm fairly certain the pipes are near inaccessible with the tank in situ, but as it is only three bolts and tie the handbrake cable out of the way it's worth a look. The filler and breather pipes are short, so the tank can only be so low. An extra pair of hands helps. The bolts are obvious, easy to get to once the handbrake cable is pushed back.

Marc

[poxxxy]

Just underneath her at the minute. One stud broke off... Other 2 nuts loosened off. I guess I'll take them off and see what happens. But yeah looks pretty inaccessible without lowering it hehe.

Also noticed the gearbox mount bushes look pretty poor and cracked so will have to get some ordered from somewhere!

[andyzeetec]

same as. Easy getting tank out, pain in the back or neck getting it back in, as Hazey said make sure handbrake is off and wheels chocked, gives more clearance to drop tank out. method I used was to take off the Inner side panel for access and remove the black steel fuel neck assly.
Clamped the filler and breather hoses onto new tank,then feed both hoses with tank up through holes within chassis.(I had to bend the filler angled hose to get it up through into the car) just need someone in car to pull it through. Various ways to skin a cat, but that was mine. 

[poxxxy]

Hmmm so 2 out of 3 snapped in the end... threads were very buggered . Tank is currently hanging my filler neck. Unsure on how that comes off to be honest. Unfortunately it has only dropped slightly not really helping! Might be easier when your not lying on your back with hands over your head .

Does the whole rear seat come out together? Back included?  The bottom half doesn't seem to want to come out on its own!

[thepuddlejumper]

I had a similar problem, it turned out the two steel pipes coming out of the sender unit had corroded and air was getting in, replaced sender unit. While I had the tank out I cut an access hole to allow future access to the sender and pipes, in the process of finishing off with a fitted cover plate so it will look as if it is a  factory finish.

Ralph