Astra Mk1 in glorious poo-brown. SOLD

[wackywacerwill]

When my pal did the wrong fuel thing we my old van he ended up taking the tank off to get the stuff out. The only time I've done the deed is on old scrappers with a drill bit before binning them off so I'd be interested to hear the preferred methods if one wishes to keep their tank intact.

[Louise2cv]

Is there any reason (other than explosion hazard) I can't disconnect the fuel line at the carb, attach an extension tube and turn the engine over to let the pump do the work? 

Obviously not for the whole job but to get the last bit out?

 

I used to do something similar with the 2cv quite a lot for reasons I can't remember, but with out the extension tube and wedging the fuel line between the LT leads at the coil. I think I did it to rule out a fuel delivery problem when it wouldn't start, but the principle is the same, no?

[red5]

You could get some fuel line, a gallon can with 'petrol' in and connect that to the carb. Run engine off that (gravity will fill carb) whilst the pump empties the duff fuel from the tank. Win. Also means that the fuel is less likely to contaminate the engine oil.

 

You're in Kipperminster right? Shout if you need a hand - am in workshop Monday (Worcester) so could swing by on way back home (Bewdley).

[Louise2cv]

Thanks for the offer, but no I'm in North Wales. Hope you aren't affected by the floods in that area.

 

[Lankytim]

Just stick a hosepipe in the tank and syphon it out. You'll end up with a gob full of petrol so maybe let hubby do it.

[Louise2cv]

Yeah I considered that, but having experienced petrol burps in the past, I'm trying to avoid it if possible.

 

Matt is on rest days after today so he will be able to look after the childs. I guess what might be sensible would be to check all the bits and bobs for the MOT and clean out the junk from this and the Audi while it drains, which might make things seem like going faster!

[MrDuke]

Just stick a hosepipe in the tank and syphon it out. You'll end up with a gob full of petrol so maybe let hubby do it.

 

A mouthful of diesel actually, which is far, far, worse. (AMHIK)

[red5]

Thanks for the offer, but no I'm in North Wales. Hope you aren't affected by the floods in that area.

 

Ah. No problem. Unfortunately yes. A lot. :-/

[Louise2cv]

The kids fell asleep this afternoon in the Audi so i got the chance to do a bit more, unfortunately it does mean they are still awake now. Got back out in the dark after matt got back and  have drained it as much as I can be arsed to.  Got about 25litres out so I don't think I am far off.

 

Anyway. It won't start, the battery is almost flat and I'm having a paddy. Also the bellows on the steering rack have split so I guess the MOT won't be straightforward either.

 

Grump grump strop strop.

[Lankytim]

WILL I TAKE 50 SCRAP 4 IT M8

[mat_the_cat]

Where in North Wales are you? I'm away at the moment so no use for the MOT, but if you're anywhere near Blanau Ffestiniog I may be able to help. If you have one of those hand pumps for air beds and the like I've managed to use one of them before to drain a tank. It was relegated to garage duties after that though...

 

It may be easier to start the engine with a gravity fed fresh supply as mentioned above (maybe even just a funnel) and then once it's started you can keep the revs up while it draws through any slightly contaminated fuel from the tank.

[Louise2cv]

WILL I TAKE 50 SCRAP 4 IT M8

 

Tempting but 40 seems fairer.

 

Where in North Wales are you? I'm away at the moment so no use for the MOT, but if you're anywhere near Blanau Ffestiniog I may be able to help. If you have one of those hand pumps for air beds and the like I've managed to use one of them before to drain a tank. It was relegated to garage duties after that though...

 

It may be easier to start the engine with a gravity fed fresh supply as mentioned above (maybe even just a funnel) and then once it's started you can keep the revs up while it draws through any slightly contaminated fuel from the tank.

 

Thanks, we are near Caernarfon. Got it going by jumping it off the Audi and pedal pumping. It's running but only on full choke. But I'm going to run it some more and see what happens. After that all it has to manage is getting to the garage and I'll leave it to them.

 

Thanks all for the help and advice. 

[Louise2cv]

Hmm. How long can I expect it to take for it to run as normal? It is mega lumpy and only running with the choke on. V. smokey and leaving an oil skidmark stain on the road at the exhaust. It definitely won't move.

 

Should I just get it recovered to the garage and get them to fix it?

[Danblez]

Sounds like you are getting there, how much diesel do you suspect was left in the tank and how much petrol have you since put in? Sounds like you need a lot more petrol adding!

[Richard]

It might be worth giving the plugs a clean.

[Louise2cv]

Yeah next time I can open the bonnet I will do, just too windy to try at the mo. I am just a stress head I think, my ability to cope with problems seems to have disappeared lately, sorry to take it out on you guys!

 

Think I will put more petrol in too.

[dollywobbler]

More petrol, definitely. And I quite agree about the wind/bonnet potential for disaster. I couldn't get out of my minibus earlier such was the force on the driver's door!

[Ratdat]

It might be worth running it off some fresh fuel in a jerry can until it's fully warmed up then hook up the original fuel line and see if it'll move under it's own steam once the engine's at operating temperature. You'll of course need to dilute whatever diseasel is in the tank with as much petrol as possible. It might be a little smokey on it but once you've done half a tank you can top it up and dilute it even more.

[Louise2cv]

Problem solved. No longer worried about car, more concerned by hole in roof, unzipping ridge tiles and 80mph or stronger winds forecast for this evening.

[Louise2cv]

Sorry Ratdat cross-posted, I will have a play tomorrow, thanks.

[Louise2cv]

It goes! Embarrassingly smokey and LOUD, but that will calm down won't it.

 

 

Thank you everyone for the help. 

 

[mat_the_cat]

Yeah, the more times you fill up (from the right pump ) the better it will get. Best of luck for the MOT!

[Louise2cv]

He won't ever do it again. Ever. Not allowed.

 

Thanks, think the test will have to wait a bit!

[Louise2cv]

We are away so we just abandoned it at the garage yesterday afternoon. Heard nothing so I guess we find out on Monday.

[Louise2cv]

Turns out they won't test a car only firing on two. Miseries.

 

I'm an actual div.

 

Oh and I forgot about the oil thing mentioned above and it is overfull. 

 

Feeling proper stupid.

[Lankytim]

Are you in the AA?

[Louise2cv]

We have breakdown cover, yes...

 

I think I am just going to leave it to the garage from now on!

[Lankytim]

Can't you speak to them about it? Assuming they cover "misfueling""

[Louise2cv]

Well, it wasn't too bad in the end just 2 split gaiters, phew! Back on the road tomorrow! 

[DeeJay]

Did they find out why it was only firing on two?