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problem of "running out of fuel"?

Hi,

Recently I encountered a strange problem of my Volvo car which is 1988

240 GL model. The car's engine would stop running when the fuel tank has less than 2/3 of the petrol. The situation became worse when the car was on the uphill slope at that time, the engine would not even be started. But if I moved the car to a level land when there was less than 2/3 of the petrol in the tank, the engine can be started but then the car would not be able to climb the hills.

The problem disappeared when I add petrol into the "2/3 full" fuel tank. But it is a pain, since the car has a 60 Litres fuel tank, each time I had to add about 20 Litres of petrol even there still 40 litres left, and I dare not to drive far unless I am sure I can find a petrol station nearby.

I'd greatly appreciate it if someone can shed some lights on this problem.

Thanks very much.

Best Regards

Martin

Reply to
martinxue
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Perhaps there is a tear or opening in the hose connecting the in-tank prepump (I assume your car has one?) to the metal fuel pick up line.

I have read that problem can cause wierd driveability issues.

Reply to
zencraps

Sounds like a bad fuel pump, probably the one inside the gas tank.

Reply to
Tim McNamara

Hi,

Thanks very much for your information.

As I am new to car repairment, if it is not too complicated, would you mind telling me where and how to check and replace the faulty part? Are there any information on the net about how to do this job?

Thanks very much.

Best Regards

Martin

Reply to
martinxue

Hi Tim,

Thanks a lot for this information. As I am a novice to car repairement (but like car and keen to know the how), is it possible to let me know where and how to check and replace the inner fuel-pump, and any good information that I can find on the Internet?

Thanks very much.

Best Regards

Martin

Reply to
martinxue

Well, really checking it is about 95% or replacing it! Depending on the model, you may have to remove the fuel tank. Some models have a "port" in the floor of the trunk which will give you access to the tank and the pump. Note however that there is a certain amount of danger given the gasoline fumes and all- this is a job I'd farm out to a professional mechanic.

However, you should be able to start the car on level ground with the tank nearly empty, open the gas filler cap, and put your ear to the filler neck. You ought to be able to hear the in-tank pump humming away. If you don't hear the pump, then I'd check the fuse for that circuit. The owner's manual will specify which one that is.

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Reply to
Tim McNamara

Hi Tim,

Thanks so much, I'd really appreciate it.

Regards

Martin

Reply to
martinxue

[ ... ]

Your car has two fuel pumps, one in the tank which is connected to the fuel supply line with a section of neoprene fuel hose. This hose does not last forever; it has cracked or broken where the tank is 2/3 full. This causes the main (external) pump to start sucking air instead of fuel, and the engine quits. On a slope, the fuel runs to one side of the tank, exposing the crack or break, with the same result.

The fix involves pulling the in-tank pump out of the top of the tank and replacing the hose. There's a gasket around the bung; probably a good idea to replace it when you do the repair. Or, take it to a shop.

Gary

Reply to
Gary Heston

Hi Gary,

Thanks a lot for your clear and useful information. I appreciate it.

Regards

Martin

Reply to
martinxue

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