Problem when tank less than 1/4 full

Hi guys,

I have a problem when my fuel tank is less than a quarter full (usually around the 280 mile mark!)

If I try to boot it off a roundabout / accelerate out of  corner I suddenly get a judder and there's nothing there powerwise until I change up or down a gear….

It is usually when I'm in 3rd gear and have been turning right (duh - that's the way you go round roundabouts right   )

Has anyone else had this?  :dontknow:

My dad reckons it could be due to one of the fuel pumps that keeps a resevoir of fuel for just such occasions…

Any thoughts appreciated!

Cheers

Rach

What condition is your filler neck in ? Rust etc could be dropping in your tank and getting dragged through the fuel system and blocking up along the way

This has been mentioned previously and it was concluded that its the petrol sloshing to one side of the tank, although the later cabbies and their lift pump in the tank should be better :dontknow: .

Presume this is a cabriolet.  I had a vary sumilar problem and when I changed the lift pump the problem went away.

As the fuel drops in the tank the amount of lift the pump has to do is greater.  A weak pump will then struggle.

Budget ?35 for the pump - make sure the new one comes with a strainer.

Lift pump is accessed under the rear seat by taking out the level sender.

Cheers

Rich

Thanks guys - think the lift pump is the one my dad replaced when I first got the car but was from a breakers and may not have been in the best condition!

Can you buy New ones?

Cheers

Rach

Rach,

Yes - new ones can be got from GSF and VW

They are nearly always damaged if you run out of fuel.

Cheers

Rich

I had a similar problem that was fixed by fitting a new bosch pump (the one outside the tank.) It got knackered after running low on fuel. Could tell it was knackered by the amount of buzzing noise it was making. I assume yours has a GTi engine (k-jetronic fuel system.)? Otherwise this will be meaningless to you!

danhar707 said

I had a similar problem that was fixed by fitting a new bosch pump (the one outside the tank.) It got knackered after running low on fuel. Could tell it was knackered by the amount of buzzing noise it was making. I assume yours has a GTi engine (k-jetronic fuel system.)? Otherwise this will be meaningless to you!

A damaged lift pump sounds a lot like a noisy main pump.  And a new main pump is likely to be able to draw fuel better - my money is still on the lift pump  

and my money too!

youll hear the outside fuel pump from outside the car better.

if your main (outside) pump was knackered youd hear it for sure!
and youd have problems tank full or empty.

The lift pump sounds very very noisy outside the car as it reverbs inside the tank - I thought it was the main pump at first - even changed it temporarily

Well in my experience, check the acculmulator. my own gti cabby had this exact problem and a incorrected fitted (as in totally bloody bypass!) accumulator was to blame... hope that helps

Oh forgot to add, if you want to check for crap in the tank, stick a speaker magnet on the underside of the tank and see if it catches anything. got that one from someone on here… sorry if I forgot who!  ops:

 


IT WORKS!!

cabriaulait said

 


IT WORKS!!

What did you do though, it'll help ppl who search later on.  

http://www.vwgolfmk1.org.uk/modules.php?name=Forums&file=viewtopic&t=11740&postdays=0&postorder=asc&highlight=magnet&start=0

and the magnet is still on,,,,,,

Cheers for all the advice guys - haven't checked this thread for ages so was surprised to see loads more replies!

There is a loud buzzing to be heard outside the car door (rear driver's side - the pump is accessed on this side of the car under the rear bench I think?) so think its def the lift pump….

New one on 'THE LIST' which grows longer faster than I cross things off  ops:

Cheers

Rach

the lift pump is accessed under the middle of the rear bench, the main fuel pump is rear drivers side. near the sill.

Ive got exactly the same problem exiting roundabouts on my 83 campaign. it has an accumulator from an 88 cab fitted....do the tin tops have a lift pump in the tank as well as the cabs?

Nope