Loss of power and surging at high revs

Chlorate · Unread post by **Chlorate** » 09 May 2011, 20:28

So I had an entertaining trip back from my friend's place today.

Not much happened when I put my foot down, and there were really noticeable surges in power at high revs. Only just got up to 70.

Initially thought it was down to the 20 litres of WVO I bunged in there on top of the diesel fumes I had left over and the pump having a hard time with it, but I didn't have this trouble in the winter when the stuff was as thick as treacle and I was using high ratios. And the problem didn't clear up when the engine got to working temperature.

So methinks fuel starvation issues here, swapped out the filter when I got back (driving like a granny to avoid too much strain on the pump), didn't look very healthy, so I'm hoping that's fixed it.
Would take her for a test run, but the parking space I managed to get was just too good for that.

Probably should look at the pickup filter too, but my car being a Volcane with the sliding seats makes it quite hard to get to the b*gger according to the BoL.

Will find out if I've mended it tomorrow.

Hopefully this is an excellent example of why one must always carry a spare filter and a 4mm allen key when running WVO

And hopefully my injection pump will forgive me

-Alex

Unread post by **Peter.N.** » 09 May 2011, 21:43

I'm afraid, much as I like the idea of running on something that's cheap, I wouldn't risk it - unless you are a serious DIYer and don't mind taking pumps apart. The cost of having a pump overhauled will I'm sure cost more than you will save.

Peter

Xaccers · Unread post by **Xaccers** » 09 May 2011, 21:56

Have to disagree, when a replacement pump can be had for as little as £20, and WVO under 40ppl, with just 20L you've saved the price of a replacement pump.

Chlorate · Unread post by **Chlorate** » 09 May 2011, 21:59

I am a bit of a DIYer -meaning I'd give it a bash and hope for the best, I haven't failed to mend it so far!- and wouldn't mind pulling one to bits, I'd been wanting to do it anyway, just not with the one that's currently feeding my engine...

As I said though, quietly confident it's ok and it was just a fuel filter issue.

Unread post by **Peter.N.** » 09 May 2011, 22:00

You are quite right

I hadn't considered the use of a secondhand pump as XM ones are like hens teeth - you still have to fit it though.

Peter

Xaccers · Unread post by **Xaccers** » 09 May 2011, 22:00

The symptoms sound exactly like a clogged filter, especially when you say it looked rather unhealthy.

Chlorate · Unread post by **Chlorate** » 09 May 2011, 22:03

The element was sort of a mud colour instead of the yellow when I put it in, and the honey/amber it's meant to be when it's good.
Plus the "fins" were somewhat distorted, possibly hinting the fuel was forcing its way through wherever it could.

Luckily I had two sitting around just for such an occasion.

Xaccers · Unread post by **Xaccers** » 09 May 2011, 22:05

Jgra found out firsthand the perils of running on WVO without having a spare filter to hand.

Once when I wasn't able to get one so I went about 12K between changes Cassy started to show signs of clogging over 3000rpm and her ECU light came on.

Chlorate · Unread post by **Chlorate** » 10 May 2011, 16:04

My theory was correct, new fuel filter and she drives like normal again.

So there we go, good example as to why you should always keep a spare fuel filter and tools to change it in the car if you're wanting to run on some nice smelly fuel.

Should probably check the pickup mesh eventually, but I'll add that to my "I'll eventually get to mending that" list. Exam time now, can't really be spending too much time fiddling around with my motorcar.

-Alex