help!!!! fuel pump & airlocks .

[gareth 400v8]

hello people im new to wedge ownership as you can probably tell. ive a couple of problems , it all started with the car overheating and throwing water out , ive had the rad recored as it was leaking on a run as it was pressurising, added twin fans and an adjustable staT, im gonna get the coolant system tested for fumes as a precaution, but didnt know if anybody has had any previous dealings with airlocks.also today being a nice day decided to go for a run to the petrol station to check the coolant system as ive being trying to fiddle in trying to release some air from the system ,guess what i run out of fuel .so after alot of swearing put two jerry cans full in ,turned it over a few times nothing .now the fuel pump is not priming and to top that of me girlfriend snapped me throttle cable,so ive had a brilliant day. ive already checked the t/stat is opening and closing but havent had chance to check for any power to fuel pump.any pointers will be gratefull,thanks. its a 400se hotwire type.

[blaineuk]

you need to fill the water up through the swan neck, i leave the car running and keep the cap of until it over flows, replace the cap and then top up through the expansion tank, the tank will over flow on the first run you do but should it will then be at the right level. could be the relay to the pump but running out of petrol often means a new pump.

[gareth 400v8]

does anyone know what the fuel pump model is and any reccomendations on what sort of price ?thanks.

[pwd95]

I ran out of petrol in my old 400SE hotwire, pump was fine. Check the relay as Blaine said & check your getting power to the pump when you should too. The hotwire system primes the pump with a 'buzz' when you turn the ignition on doesn't it? If not your immobilizer could be playing up.

P.S. Welcome to the mad house.

Not officially a member any more but this really is the best place on PH, IMHO,

Edited by pwd95 on Sunday 30th March 23:59

[adam quantrill]

I've run out a couple of times, it's not an instant failure.

The pump will prime itself from petrol in the tank - if there is any!

To be usre I would stick another gallon or two in - check that the petrol gauge comes out of the red mark - you'll have plenty in there, then.

[matt-man]

Welcome!!!

If yo are getting power to the pump then you and still cant hear a 'buzz' then you can be sure that the pump is shot! Mine went on me whilst driving and cuased the car to 'run out of fuel' which was mighty embarasing at my furst goodwood breakfast club meeting!!

Its quite common with these, especially when running out of fuel, as there is only a fuel filter AFTER the fuel pump! Therefore, any crud from the tank instantly blocks the pump.

FYI, i seem to remember on mine (400 flapper) that the pump only has power on crank until the car is running (i dont get a buzz with ignition)

Also, throttle cable wise, i (well a good mate if mine!) snapped mine whilst having a little campsite car 'sing/shout!' in lemans!!! Lucky for me, dad came out the following day and brought some stuff to fix! Mine snapped at the pedel end, took the old cable out, threaded through the sleeve and tied the throttle (engine) end with a choc-block thingy! Simple! (the worst thing was the typical 'oh TVR going wrong AGAIN' from my porsche driving mates!!)

Still there!!!

[PHart]

I read somewhere that as a last resort you can reverse the polarity on fuel pump to try and pump any crud backwards back into the the tank. Might be worth a long shot!

[gareth 400v8]

thanks for the help really grateful,will be checking it on tuesday .i will keep you posted,thanks again.