Re: [DML] Fuel Problems

["Walter" <Whalt@xxxx>]

Matthew,

>But is there another possible
>cause to the fuel starvation symptoms normally caused by a collapsed
>inlet fuel line?

Yes. Even if your fuel line is not collapsing, perhaps it has a small hole
in it allowing it to suck air? Maybe you have a partially clogged fuel
filter. As a diagnostic, maybe you could keep a fuel pressure gauge
connected while you are driving the car (if you can do it safely.) If your
pressures stay normal and you still have symptoms of fuel starvation, then
you have a different problem. Perhaps a real mechanic could suggest a
better diagnostic.

>Another question possibly related -- comments or info on the envelope
>style pre-filter -- is there an alternative?

Yes. I assume you are talking about the fuel inlet suction filter. The
original one in my DeLorean was disk shaped about 2" diameter and 1/4" thick
made of a hard plastic frame covered with a fine mesh screen. Mine was so
rotten that it fell apart as I touched it. Since I was in a pioneering
mood, I didn't feel like buying the right part from a reputable place and
instead got something at NAPA. It is NAPA part number STS-36 and is the
'envelope style'. (Cost around $15) In order to make it fit, I had to cut
the angled part of the plastic spout off. (A sharp PVC water pipe cutting
tool worked great. Otherwise try a sharp razor knife. Any type of saw will
make small plastic particles that you don't want in your system.) I think
this style filter works better than the OEM design -- less restrictive to
fuel flow with more filter surface area. This one is a pillow shaped
rectangle and fills the bottom of the fuel baffle. I looked through
everything they had in stock and in their catalogue. I did the same at Pep
Boys. I probably looked at over 2 dozen filters that evening. It's amazing
what you can get away with if you ask nicely.

I still have the original suction line that is rather soft and a little
gummy in one corner. I'm going to replace it soon with the $91 replacement
since I still have the temperature sensitive fuel pump noise -- probably
from a collapsing fuel suction line.

Walt Tampa, FL