Series 2 air ingress !

[froggy]

Hi, my series 2 Xantia , (HDI). just recently, when the fuel gauge drops down to half full, it is starting to take in air. the engine will cut out, and be very difficult to start. as soon as I fill the tank to full, the engine runs perfectly. But as soon as it reaches halfway again on the gauge, the problems start. is it possible the pipe in the tank could be split ? anyone any ideas ? cheers Terry.

[GiveMeABreak]

First thoughts are that the fuel pump may not have enough welly - so helped along when there is extra pressure in the tank when full with fuel, But as soon as the pressure drops, the pump may be too weak to suck the fuel in.

[Hell Razor5543]

I wonder if the tank pickup has become clogged with microbes, so that (as with Marcs' suggestion) when the tank is full the pressure will help, but when it drops far enough the fuel cannot get through the blockage.

[white exec]

When the engine cuts out/stutters, does removing the tank filler cap help? Just wondering whether there's a partial vacuum forming in the tank as it empties, fighting against the pump.

[Old-Guy]

When the engine cuts out/stutters, does removing the tank filler cap help? Just wondering whether there's a partial vacuum forming in the tank as it empties, fighting against the pump.

I.e. breather pipe blocked with mud - IIRC it exits behind the mudshield in the OSR wheel-arch.