1982 300sd starving for fuel

[phil l]

i noticed my engine hesitating. it happened after using the ramp on the interstate. got back on the throttle and it took a while to get fuel and get moving. next ramp.... happened again. tank probably had 3 gallons available. fueled up, got home, changed filters. next time the tank got low it happened again. today i drained the tank [2 &1/2 gallons] and pulled out the screen thinking blockage, but it was clean. any ideas?

[barry123400]

Main fuel filters, air leaks or weak lift pump.

[Jimmy Joe]

They can leak at the primer pump, as I found out the hard way. Change all filters first.

[Biodiesel300TD]

Clogged vent tube. Try pulling the fuel cap off after a drive and see if you get a sucking sound. If so there is a bell shaped rubber piece on the underside of the car in the rear that get clogged up. Clean it out and see if that helps.

[fruitcakesa]

Originally Posted by Biodiesel300TD

Clogged vent tube. Try pulling the fuel cap off after a drive and see if you get a sucking sound. If so there is a bell shaped rubber piece on the underside of the car in the rear that get clogged up. Clean it out and see if that helps.

x2 This happened to me a few times and I got a big whoosh from the tank when I opened the cap. It gets more intense the lower the fuel level is in the tank.

[thayer]

Originally Posted by Biodiesel300TD

Clogged vent tube. Try pulling the fuel cap off after a drive and see if you get a sucking sound. If so there is a bell shaped rubber piece on the underside of the car in the rear that get clogged up. Clean it out and see if that helps.

I'm getting a noticeable amount of vacuum when I refuel. Could you be more specific as to where on the underside of the rear of the car the vent is?

cheers

[tr1cky]

Clogged tank screen? Anyone confirm this could be an issue, esp. w/ the vacuum issue at fillup?

[toomany MBZ]

Originally Posted by thayer

I'm getting a noticeable amount of vacuum when I refuel. Could you be more specific as to where on the underside of the rear of the car the vent is?

cheers

It's that bell looking object near the driver side rear suspension.

[el sea]

This sounds repeatative when the tank is relatively low on fuel, therefore a strong indication of a weak pump.


El Sea,

Suckin Sludge & Havin a Gas

[bgkast]

I have this same issue with my SD when I am at the end of the tank and take a long corner. It's just from the fuel sloshing in the tank. Go slower around corners, keep more fuel in it and/or dont worry about it.

[thayer]

Originally Posted by toomany MBZ

It's that bell looking object near the driver side rear suspension.

HA!. Thanks. I love pictures.