Fuel delivery? or something else, problem diagnosis needed

"Chuck 2(O=[][]=O)2" (pompei426)
10/12/2014 at 10:26 • Filed to: None

Today, when I went out to start my car, around 8am, she took a while to start up. Sure, it's finally cold out, I get it. But after the water temp came up, and the car was warmed up for a few minutes, I couldn't get it to really move. It idles fine, but it wouldn't rev past 2 - 2.5 grand, and to get the car to move initially I had to keep letting out the clutch, then rev, and repeat. I have never had to do this. I know my car, and I know how to properly apply throttle and get the car moving.

So, now the car is rolling, but the acceleration is not smooth. Note, I'm not smashing the throttle and flooding the carb with gas. I'm applying the same pressure I always have, now, it kinda chugs along jolting the car until about 2-3k. After I drove it, for about 10 15 mins, the problem subdued, but still remained. When I downshifted and would get back on the throttle, there was still a lag of sorts, and when starting from a stop, I had to rely more on the clutch than I am used to.

Any ideas?

For your help, here's a bull playing in the dirt

DISCUSSION (9)

zedx > Chuck 2(O=[][]=O)2
10/12/2014 at 10:39

I'm by no mean a mechanic, but it sounds like you might have fuel starvation. I would check the fuel filter and lines to make sure its not clog.

Hopefully others with more knowledge regarding this could chime in. Also what year, make, and model is your car?

Chuck 2(O=[][]=O)2 > zedx
10/12/2014 at 10:43

Thanks for your help. I should just go through everything. It's a 1971 BMW 2002 with a Weber 32/36.

G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3 > Chuck 2(O=[][]=O)2
10/12/2014 at 10:45

I'd change the filter (because almost nobody does it), and try running water through the lines (when they're off of the car) to see if there are any blockages.

zedx > Chuck 2(O=[][]=O)2
10/12/2014 at 11:33

Does it have an external or an internal fuel pump? I would go ahead and check on the fuel pump while you're at it. If your pump is external, it wouldn't be a bad idea to add a inline filter before the pump if it doesn't have one already. That is assuming the current fuel filter is after the pump. It sound a bit overkill but it will help prevent clogging and overworking your fuel pump, and the second filter will pick up what was missed by first filter.

This is all just a suggestion, and by no mean required to be done at all. Wish you luck and keep us posted on what you find and your fixes are. :)

Big Bubba Ray > Chuck 2(O=[][]=O)2
10/12/2014 at 12:56

zedx could be right. I'm having the same problem with my Datsun right now, from the sound of what you're describing. I'm going to drain the fuel tank, pull the lines and make sure they're all clean and not collapsed.

Chuck 2(O=[][]=O)2 > Big Bubba Ray
10/12/2014 at 13:31

I just swapped the fuel filter and everything was right as pie. I'm just surprised how quickly it gunked up. Yesterday I noticed a little difference, this morning, big difference. Swapped it just now, and no problems.

Chuck 2(O=[][]=O)2 > zedx
10/12/2014 at 13:33

Just swapped the filter. That was the problem. With the Solexes, some people run two filters. With the Weber I just switched to, one is fine, though I might go for overkill.

Big Bubba Ray > Chuck 2(O=[][]=O)2
10/12/2014 at 13:39

Awesome. Sounds like an easy fix! My Datsun has a filter built into the tank that I need to get out somehow. Its hella clogged up and has been making my car run like a turd.

Chuck 2(O=[][]=O)2 > Big Bubba Ray
10/12/2014 at 15:17

Best of luck, I'd even run another one in the engine bay before the fuel pump if you can.