81 Caddy Dying..

[spdrace11]

Ok well i have a 81 Caddy with a 1.6 NA.  The car will start right up and drives like it should.  However about a block or 2 down it will slowly lose power and die.  It will start right up again and drive for about 20 ft then die again.  It will continue to do this however if i let it set for a bit its starts right up and drives for a block then the problem repeats itself.  I cleaned out the fuel filter, its an after market one with a plastic bulb and a filter inside.

Now the only thing i can think of is the stop solenoid is slowing stopping for what ever reason.  Now when it stop it doesnt just turn off it a slow progression.  Any thoughts???

[cervelorod]

Is there another filter somewhere?  That sounds like classic fuel starvation.  Can you apply some air to blow out the line back to the tank? 

Rod

[spdrace11]

Is there another filter somewhere?  That sounds like classic fuel starvation.  Can you apply some air to blow out the line back to the tank? 

Rod

No filter anywhere unless the factory has one underneath the car. 

I was thinking the same thing thats why i cleaned the filter out.  However than how do you explain the good idle and driveability on start up?  Once the car starts to die it wont even idle on start up.

I do have a compressor.

[BigVWman]

If you have a compressor blow the return line back to the tank! At least rule it out! Maybe check the tank for an algae blob, does the fuel level effect the issue?(mitten question, is bruce still doin vw's)?

[cervelorod]

Mines a MKII, so it's probably not the same, but I had some trouble and removed the POS water separator VAG so generously put underneath the car.

I would make sure the tank and lines are clean, maybe it takes it a few minutes to pick up enough crud from the bottom of the tank to foul the pickup..

Good luck!

Rod

[2strokesmoke]

Fuel filter and lines,would be my first check.
Maybe remove fuel line from tank (using a drain pan) to check fuel flow from tank ?( a quick easy check)
What is your outside temperature where you are ? Maybe icing or fuel gelling?
If fuel flow is good - maybe a clogged muffler ?
The original muffler on my caddy,must have weighed 40 Lbs - it was so full of crap.
Did this problem occur suddenly, or did it gradually loose power ,until it got to this point? Did weather get colder ? Did you just fill up with fuel ?

[spdrace11]

Fuel filter and lines,would be my first check.
Maybe remove fuel line from tank (using a drain pan) to check fuel flow from tank ?( a quick easy check)
What is your outside temperature where you are ? Maybe icing or fuel gelling?
If fuel flow is good - maybe a clogged muffler ?
The original muffler on my caddy,must have weighed 40 Lbs - it was so full of crap.
Did this problem occur suddenly, or did it gradually loose power ,until it got to this point? Did weather get colder ? Did you just fill up with fuel ?

Out side temp 60F
Two exaust leaks
The problem was gradual, weather stayed constant, went through ~ half a tank.

[Toby]

First of all the car needs to have a big diesel filter on it, not just some cheapy pre-filter. Add a stock diesel filter right away. They are designed to keep out all of the crap that will grind the IP into uselessness.

What you are describing sounds like a classic fuel starvation issue caused by crap in the tank. Usually that is algae. It is a bugger to find because lass than a teaspoon of it will clog the sock in the tank when the engine is running. Once the engine quits the stuff will fall away from the sock and flow fuel again.

You will need to do a fuel flow test for at least a couple of minutes, preferably longer. This can be a chore, but you will never find the issue unless you do. I have a set up that uses a leakdown tester to put 2 or 3 psi in the tank and then I let a gallon or so of fuel run out. If you have algae or some other crap restricting fuel flow you will see flow go down to a trick.

It is possible that someone deleted the big filter because it kept plugging up with algae.

If it is restricted flow at the tank, you will need to drop it and pressure wash it out thoroughly with hot soapy water, like a quarter car wash. I had a Cutlas Ciera some years ago that had not been drivable in years with the same symptoms as yours only it took a little longer. It would flow fuel just fine for a couple minutes and then trickle down to nothing in another minute. The some total of black gook in the rank was less than a tablespoon. After it is spotless inside and DRY reinstall it with NEW fuel and a load of Biobor algae killer.

[spdrace11]

First of all the car needs to have a big diesel filter on it, not just some cheapy pre-filter. Add a stock diesel filter right away. They are designed to keep out all of the crap that will grind the IP into uselessness.

What you are describing sounds like a classic fuel starvation issue caused by crap in the tank. Usually that is algae. It is a bugger to find because lass than a teaspoon of it will clog the sock in the tank when the engine is running. Once the engine quits the stuff will fall away from the sock and flow fuel again.

You will need to do a fuel flow test for at least a couple of minutes, preferably longer. This can be a chore, but you will never find the issue unless you do. I have a set up that uses a leakdown tester to put 2 or 3 psi in the tank and then I let a gallon or so of fuel run out. If you have algae or some other crap restricting fuel flow you will see flow go down to a trick.

It is possible that someone deleted the big filter because it kept plugging up with algae.

If it is restricted flow at the tank, you will need to drop it and pressure wash it out thoroughly with hot soapy water, like a quarter car wash. I had a Cutlas Ciera some years ago that had not been drivable in years with the same symptoms as yours only it took a little longer. It would flow fuel just fine for a couple minutes and then trickle down to nothing in another minute. The some total of black gook in the rank was less than a tablespoon. After it is spotless inside and DRY reinstall it with NEW fuel and a load of Biobor algae killer.

Well it turned out to be a clogged line.  Took the air hose and put it in the inlet hose to the filter, applied air and heard a thuk which was similar to when I cleaned out my clogged sink in my bath room.  Car dove fine after that.

Since its so close to winter and id never drive it in the salt im not going to drop and clean the tank yet.  Im just going to top the tank off an hope its doesnt happen soon.  Then park her for the winter.  As soon as spring hits though ill tackle it.

Thanks to all.

Here is a pic of the aftermarket fuel filter.  Dont know anything about it.  Thoughts???

[rabbitman]

That's a better filter than I was picturing, should be fine.

[guy plain]

hell that filter looks like a smaller version one one of off a tug boat!!!! lol used those for years on boats and they work really well.... wish i had one  lol

[cervelorod]

LOL!!

A large thunk.  That oughta do it, block your intake line that is.

Glad you have resolved the problem, next spring drop the tank and clean'er out...

Rod

[ORCoaster]

Racor, mostly marine but my son threw one of these on his VW to filter the veg oil.

http://www.maesco.com/products/racor/r_spn_intro/r_spn_intro.html

Get them locally at the port of Charleston. 

[Toby]

The Racor is a great filter, but you should still have the stock one between it and the IP.

To be clear, you have not resolved the problem, just reset the clock. What ever is in there will clog things up again.While you are at it put in some biocide like BioBor to at least kill any live algae.

[GEE-BEE]

I just sent MK1autohaus a pretty clean MK1 Filter mount, it was extra laying around

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