Fuel blockage

[PW Cymru]

Tried to start the RS this morning but it wouldn't fire.

It appears no fuel getting into the float bowl.

Fuel flows through tap (pipe removed) on reserve and checked with cap removed, nothing appears to be in the in-line filter.

Removed bowl and its empty so turned tap to res with bowl off still nothing.

It hasn't been run for about a month.

Is it possible for the float needle valves to be blocked/stuck?

 

[bumpmuncher]

not had it on my airhead yet. but have had others with stuck shut float valves. i have always cured it by a jolly good tap on the carb

 

[(RIP) Proff]

Yup that can and will happen...
Seems the crap modern petrol, when it evaporates has a sticky residue which CAN stick them closed..
Remedy>>
my personal one is >>
I ALWAYS turn off the taps around 400 yds from home and then the level is low enough for float needles to be open, ready for next time you turn taps on
Been doing it for over 20 years

 

[ELIMINATOR]

God has spoken! Well! they must be about the same age.

 

[Steptoe]

Get rid of any inline fuel filters, those silly add on ones.

If they get water in them they don't allow any fuel through. And you can't tell just by looking because they look perfect.

 

[PW Cymru]

Yup that can and will happen...
Seems the crap modern petrol, when it evaporates has a sticky residue which CAN stick them closed..
Remedy>>
my personal one is >>
I ALWAYS turn off the taps around 400 yds from home and then the level is low enough for float needles to be open, ready for next time you turn taps on
Been doing it for over 20 years

Took your advice on this one when I last started her up and closed the taps a couple of minutes before shutting the engine off, so bowls are empty to start with.

Float chamber needle valve should have been open to start with.

 

[Timolgra]

Get rid of any inline fuel filters, those silly add on ones.

If they get water in them they don't allow any fuel through. And you can't tell just by looking because they look perfect.

Hmmm, but at least they're easy to remove and blow through?

 

[PW Cymru]

Get rid of any inline fuel filters, those silly add on ones.

If they get water in them they don't allow any fuel through. And you can't tell just by looking because they look perfect.

I'll pull the line off the bottom of the in-line filter and see what flows.

 

[DrFarkoff]

pull the float bowl off with a basin underneath and tap the floats gently then you should have yer answer

 

[PW Cymru]

Thanks Gents

It appears to be a problem with the Mahle in-line filters.

Removed the pipe below the left one and nothing flows (Yes fuel was on), take out the filter and fuel flows and she starts.

The right one is still fitted but it doesn't fill with fuel, there's just a small amount in the bottom and it struggles to tick-over.

I've cut-up the left filter and its very clean with no sign of contamination.

I'll remove the right and report back.

 

[PW Cymru]

Both filters removed and she tick over reasonably well.

Desperate for carb balance though.

Maybe the filters were just too fine

Thanks for your tips gents

 

[fayeslane]

If you reckon you need inline filters the 'paper in plastic' car type will give you plenty of flow and look shit at the same time

 

[Timolgra]

Well done Sherlock

 

[(RIP) Proff]

Both filters removed and she tick over reasonably well.

Desperate for carb balance though.

Maybe the filters were just too fine

Thanks for your tips gents

Make sure the rubbers on the balancer gauge inlets are still in place, that causes a really rough imbalnce if one is missing DAMHIK

I use the ugly paper filters, they work..

 

[Ogmios]

I use the ugly paper filters, they work..

ditto.
and at least you can see the feckin things, AND they discolour if they get water in them
i seem to spend a lot of time lately blowing up me fuel line to clear the crud from around the in tank filters.
thinking of taking them out altogether - coz they do feck all good.

now...
WTF did i come in here in the first place?