Fuel Non-return valve

[mosstrooper]

Sometimes I don't start my Vixen for several weeks and then it's really difficult to get it to fire. I usually have to resort to removing the fuel pipe from the carb and sucking until I taste petrol !

The engine has a new (mechanical) pump and electronic ignition. Once it's running all's fine and continues to be so until I leave it for a couple of weeks.

I'm tempted to fitting a non-return valve in the fuel line. Has anyone else fitted one and, if so, where ? Before the pump ? Just after ?

[plasticpig72]

On my Lotus Elan Sprint i fitted a fuel primer bulb next to the fuel tank outlet.
If i haven't used the Sprint for a while i give the bulb maybe 10 squeezes to fill the Carbs. Press the Accelerater once or twice. Then turn the Key and "little Lo" starts straight away.
Alan

[mosstrooper]

Thanks, that's useful to know. I clearly have a problem with fuel in the carb float chamber evaporating and/or petrol draining back down the line.

[Moto]

I don't know if it's a problem as such as it may just be a reality of a carburetor.

My does the same if not started for more than a month or two. A few pumps of the throttle and a few extra turns of the engine and all OK. I've never seen this as an issue but maybe it is?

If it's evaporation within the carb then it's probably difficult to solve without moving to a fuel injection system. First thing I'd look for is any sign of a leak as this should be more easily fixed.

Good luck

Moto

[Grumbly]

Conversion to an electronic fuel pump solves these issues, although it's worth remembering that most pumps produce too much pressure for carb needle valves and need to be used in conjunction with a pressure regulator.

[ATE399J]

Had exactly the same problem with my Tuscan. Electric fuel pump solved the problem instantly. As well as a regulator (one can buy low pressure pumps though) it may also be a suggestion to include an automatic cut-off switch in the event of an accident, they are fairly readily available...

https://rimmerbros.com/Item--i-WQT100030

[anonymous-user]

ATE399J said:

Had exactly the same problem with my Tuscan. Electric fuel pump solved the problem instantly. As well as a regulator (one can buy low pressure pumps though) it may also be a suggestion to include an automatic cut-off switch in the event of an accident, they are fairly readily available...

https://rimmerbros.com/Item--i-WQT100030

Exactly what I did, with a cut off switch from a Renault Clio

[mosstrooper]

Thank you all for your helpful suggestions. Clearly nobody has recommend the obvious - that I use the car more often !

Anyway, that's not going to happen (particularly at this time of the year).

It very much looks as though I need to fit an electric pump but, in the meantime, for simplicity and tiny expenditure I have decided to fit a non-return valve between the pump and in-line filter.

I'll report back.

Have a lovely Christmas.

Best, M

[plasticpig72]

The Fuel Hand Bulb Primer for Boat Outboard Motors are very cheap which is what i have used.
I am still running a Mechanical Pump on my Elan Sprint with a Fuel Bulb no problem.
Alan

[timelord]

Fitted an electric pump to my Vixen to cure this problem, pump came with a non-return valve, Only use the pump to prime system, mechanical pump will pull fuel through electric pump once engine started. Geoff