My recently aquired S1 FHC is starving for fuel when actively engaging a hill. All runs perfectly if I don't keep my foot in it too long. Filter is clean. Previous owner has already replaced the fuel pump with a pointless model from XK's Unlimited and flushed the tank. My mechanic is recommending that I go back to the original fuel pump because it is double acting. Anybody have any input?

1951 XK 120 OTS RHD; 1963 E-Type FHC; 1984 XJ6 VDP

Submitted by rbrand@grtnw.com on Fri, 01/06/2006 - 10:55

To all, thank you for your help. It was the fuel filter. Even though it did not look bad, replacing it solved the problem.

1951 XK 120 OTS RHD; 1963 E-Type FHC; 1984 XJ6 VDP

Submitted by rbrand@grtnw.com on Sat, 12/31/2005 - 21:18

Thanks, Mike. I'll be sure to check the pressure and the banjo screen. Don't want to have a melt down!
1951 XK 120 OTS RHD; 1963 E-Type FHC; 1984 XJ6 VDP

Submitted by jagengines@yahoo.com on Thu, 12/29/2005 - 08:16

From:- Mike Leicester

Hi,
You may want to check for a crimp in a fuel line, look at the clear plastic
lines in the 'boot' area as well as the metal lines that run under the car.
Some times you will find that an inexperienced shop or mechanic has jacket the car up on a fuel line and crushed the line.
The first thing you should do is to put a fuel pressure gauge in the fuel line at the carb's and monitor the fuel pressure to see if and when it drops under load. SU's like to see 3 to 4 PSI. You may also want to check if some one has added a fuel pressure regulator in line which is not working correctly.
Another thing to do would be to back flush the fuel line from the carb's to the tank using low air pressure but with the fuel pump out of the system so not to damage it.

I think someone else also suggested checking the float levels in the fuel bowls. Also remember that the HD's have a fuel filter under the 'banjo' fitting at the fuel bowl which can plug, a lot of owners leave this filter out as it tends to plug and go with a larger in line filter. If you go lean from a restricted fuel filter you can burn a piston under high engine load. This get's very expensive and your into a engine rebuild.....I could give you the name of a good rebuilder!!!!

One final thing. If your running a 'aftermaket' cheapy (made in China) fuel pump in line and the original fuel pump is still in line but not working, it can act as a restriction and reduce or stop fuel flow.

As I said start with a fuel pressure gauge on the system to see what you've got.

Good luck....
Mike.

Submitted by cebotech1@yahoo.com on Thu, 12/08/2005 - 09:22

I had a similar problem years ago and the problem was caused by air being sucked into the fuel lines. You may want to check for any fuel leaks. If there is a pin hole for a leak, it could also suck in air when the car is running. The more fuel you consume the more air you suck in. The result is fuel starvation, or better yet, an abundance of air.

Bill Berman.
1962 & 1968 FHC.

Submitted by SE98-32482CJ on Thu, 12/08/2005 - 05:58

Your "mechanic" is in error. Your car would have had an in tank Lucas turbine pump. They are hard to come by but there are replacements. Have you checked your fuel floats levels? George Camp