Forum:
Hi,
I think I made a big mistake in converting my car to run on veg oil. 
I recently fitted a second plastic marine tank to my old landy with a 3 way pollack valve to run her on veg oil and a heat exchanger. All was ok except I forgot to open the plastic air bleed screw on the fuel tank. I realised my mistake after about 10 mins of running on veg oil as the plastic tank started to fold in on itself caused by the vacuum!
I think this has put a strain on the fuel injector pump and buggered it up as the car will not start! I've checked there's fuel getting to the pump but there's very little actually coming out the injector union if you disconnect it while cranking. Glow plugs seem ok and fuel solenoid is clicking when power is connected so it seems like the built in lift pump or main pump has given up. Has anyone got any suggestions of things to try before I consider changing the pump?
Also has anyone got a secondhand pump they would sell to me if I need one! I'm a little worried about the prospect of timing it all up again if I change the pump. The engine is a 2.8TD Fourtrak unit.
Thanks
Dark_Rocco
problems !!
Though I have no expeirence of running a twin tank set up, thoughts that crossed my mind,!!!!. Collapsed fuel fuel filter,lift pump failure, collapsed fuel line (plastic or similar, inline repair patch), assume your now trying to run on diesel straight from main tank. Rather than injector pump failure,( the equelivelent of running out of fuel, fuel stavation).I guess you have tried a straight conection to main tank, replaced filter, bled veg oil out of system/ injection pump. Sorry I cannot help except with thoughts.
I run a 50/50 veg oil mix,rather than a twin tank system.
Edward (ews) '92 Fourtrak 2.8 TDX
I agree with 'ews' - I think
I agree with 'ews' - I think some pipe / filter has collapsed, rather than injector pump failure.
You definitely need to try a straight connection direct from the original derv tank, without going thru the Pollack valve.
1985 Veg oil burning Fourtrak "Rocky".
1985 Veg oil burning Fourtrak "Rocky".
Thanks for the advice, I had
Thanks for the advice,
I had another look at the car tonight and bypassed both fuel filter and pollack valve with a piece of pipe and a hand primer bulb. The car started after a few trys!
I think there is a blockage somewhere in the valve or fuel filter or a kinked pipe somewhere but will investigate further at the weekend.
Hopefully it'll soon be running on veg oil again.....
Cheers
Dark_Rocco
Balls
Had this one before, it is most likely the non return valve on the fuel filter housing been sucked back out of its housing and damaged. Fuel will run back to tank when the engine is stopped, and it will start and run with the fuel in the filter itself, then begin to stutter as it takes a while to draw it from the tank. Suction will force the valve out of shape and restrict the flow to the fuel filter housing.
Other problems are the vacuum will squash a fuel pipe, again, this depends on the condition of the pipes, and the amount of vacuum applied; although a rarity, it does happen.
Problems may be in the fuel pump itself, excess vacuum applied to it can suck some of the seals or O rings out of their locations, although more problematic on commercials, the Fourtrak can easily do this.
Before spending money, i would suggest you get a friend. or other owner to let you whip his complete fuel filter and housing off, fit it to your vehicle, and try it; if it bleeds, starts and runs, you have your problem.