[steveG]

My daughters sierra died on her way home this morning. Pretty sure its a fuel issue as I can keep it running by squirting engine start down the carbie.

Starts OK but then dies after a few seconds. She says its done it to a smaller extent a couple of times over the last few months, but would start OK and no further symptoms.

I'm planning to replace the fuel filter, drain a bit of fuel from the tank and make sure its not all full of crap, check the fuel pump is working and then see if I can give the carb a bit of a cleanout. Hopefully that will sort it out.

Any helpful hints?

Steve

[Damo]

As you said, check the fuel pump.

If the fuel pump has dies check the oil for fuel contamination. Sometimes when the fuel pump dies it can pump fuel into the head.

[steveG]

Replaced the filter, but still no output from pump.
Removed pump and tested it manually - all OK.

Wrapped my head around the fuel line to the tank and blew down it - hmm, thats funny - not blocked but no bubbly feeling/sound. Like there's NO FUEL at the tank pickup.

Threw some more petrol in the tank and after about 20 seconds cranking I'm getting fuel delivery from the pump. put the hose back on it runs fine.

Guess I need to fix that dodgy fuel gauge - having to get up and tow her home after her night shift is probably my karma for not fixing it sooner.

Thanks for the fuel in the oil tip Damo - I'll keep it in mind if the pump dies in the future.

Steve

[Damo]

If I had a dollar for every time i've run out of fuel in the zook...

Good to hear you sorted it. When you go to have a look at the sender you might want to refer to an excellent walk through written by steve, you can fin it here.