[DMCForum] Re: Fuel system updates - help!! long long long...

["Walter Coe" <Whalt@xxxxxxx>]

> I have been having hot start problems and then one night I
was driving home and the car whinned in the front and
started to convulse and buck all around.

Hi Brian,
This could be from sucking air (low fuel or hole/tear in
fuel suction hose).  Maybe the suction screen is clogged or
rotted apart.  That would allow chunks to clog the pump.
The hot start problem could be caused by junk lodged in the
fuel pump's check valve keeping it open.  Or it could be
caused by a bad accumulator or whatever.

> I'm also considering replacing the accumulator and perhaps
the
coil... just to update the system a bit.  Is this a good
idea or not
really neccessary?

Maybe.  If you do replace them, I suggest test-driving the
car after each project.  Then if there is a problem with a
new part, you have fewer things to suspect.  Replacing the
original coil with something newer (provided it is a proper
replacement) can make an improvement.

Replacing the accumulator is a really tough job.  You run
the risk of kinking hard lines, not being able to properly
attach new hoses, etc.  And when you cut loose the original
hoses from the barbs, don't scratch the damn barbs with a
razor.  It makes them more prone to leaks.  This is easily a
project that may require you to order additional parts once
you get into it.  A stubby set of wrenches is very useful.
Also sometimes I use line wrench crow-foots (aka flair nut
wrenches) on swivels & extensions just to get up in there.
Rob Grady told me that he can heat & attach new hoses to the
barbs while they are on the car.  My advice: don't try this
at home.  It takes some practice to get good at attaching
hoses even while the fittings are off the car.  This
wouldn't be an issue if they sold hoses with new fittings,
but some of the them are no longer available.

> Also, in the process the plastic gas line hose with weaved
thread (or
whatever it is) was broke in 3 different places.

Hi EJ,
That weaved thread is exposed because the original black
vinyl(?) coating rotted & fell off.

> Had to replace with fuel injection hose.

The only kind of replacement hose that I have liked so far
is what PJ Grady sells.  It's very orange, though.  It goes
on the same way as the original (have to heat it) & requires
no hose clamps.  I would not trust any kind of hose clamp on
the high pressure side of the fuel system (my personal
bias).  I also would not trust any generic fuel injection
hose because most of it is rated at a lower pressure than
what the Bosch K-Jetronic uses.

> If you do go ahead and replace the pump, or hoses I would
definitely
recommend the new baffle unit sold by SpecialTAuto.

I've seen one of these before.  I forgot who's car it was
in... Samuel's?  Anyway, the only real problem with it is
that whatever glue/epoxy he used to attach a nipple the fuel
suction screen got ate up by the fuel.  If you buy his
baffle, I recommend asking first if he is aware of and
corrected this problem.  If you're not on a tight budget, I
suggest keeping the fuel baffle original.  The suction hose
made by Ken K (sold by PJ Grady) is the best.  This way the
fuel suction screen can touch the bottom of the tank.  This
makes it less apt to suck air without transmitting fuel pump
vibrations.  If the suction screen on the SpecialTAuto rig
touches the bottom of the tank, a lot more vibration will be
heard.  If it's too high then you won't be able to use all
the fuel in the tank.

Fuel pump boots only last about 5 to 7 years of normal use.
No one makes a boot that is worth a shit.  Of all that I've
seen, I like Don Steger's boot & cover the best.  The boot
cover that PJ Grady sells looks exactly like OEM, but it
shrinks & turns rock hard in the presence of fuel vapors.

Walt

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