97 Diesel Hard start and stalling when less than half tank.
Posted: Sun Jun 04, 2023 8:15 pm
I have been having an issue that is similar yet not exactly the same as a few other topics I've read on here so Ive decided to make my first post and see if anyone has any info that could save me some time.
I have a 97 bongo with the WL-T. It runs pretty great when the tank is full, but as the tank gets lower it starts to get symptoms of fuel starvation, especially when warm.
I can have some exceptionally hard starts. So far I have always been able to get it to start, but I really have to hold down on the key for an extended period of time before it coughs enough fuel into the engine to get started, then it will idle just fine. This starts to get dramatically worse when the tank approaches around half, and just gets worse as it gets lower.
I've also experienced the car stalling out, this happens when slowing down and stopping, and especially when the A/C is on. If I keep my foot on the gas while holding the brake to idle it higher, it will prevent this from happening and is also a very sketchy PITA.
When going up steep inclines this problem is accentuated and I have stalled out while driving in these situations, even with 2/3 of a tank.
Some threads suggested that it could be due to a clogged vent in the fuel cap. I have taken to removing the fuel cap when the tank gets low, which mildly helps but does not cure this issue.
The best idea that I have on this is that its a fuel pump issue. I have also read threads suggesting to clean out the filter inside the fuel pump, and/or replacing the fuel pump itself.
I'm wondering if anyone has any advice on how to properly diagnose this issue? Is the fuel pump the likely culprit? I have recently replaced the fuel filter so I doubt it is that. Also is there any other components of the ventilation system I should suspect?
Thanks a lot!!
I have a 97 bongo with the WL-T. It runs pretty great when the tank is full, but as the tank gets lower it starts to get symptoms of fuel starvation, especially when warm.
I can have some exceptionally hard starts. So far I have always been able to get it to start, but I really have to hold down on the key for an extended period of time before it coughs enough fuel into the engine to get started, then it will idle just fine. This starts to get dramatically worse when the tank approaches around half, and just gets worse as it gets lower.
I've also experienced the car stalling out, this happens when slowing down and stopping, and especially when the A/C is on. If I keep my foot on the gas while holding the brake to idle it higher, it will prevent this from happening and is also a very sketchy PITA.
When going up steep inclines this problem is accentuated and I have stalled out while driving in these situations, even with 2/3 of a tank.
Some threads suggested that it could be due to a clogged vent in the fuel cap. I have taken to removing the fuel cap when the tank gets low, which mildly helps but does not cure this issue.
The best idea that I have on this is that its a fuel pump issue. I have also read threads suggesting to clean out the filter inside the fuel pump, and/or replacing the fuel pump itself.
I'm wondering if anyone has any advice on how to properly diagnose this issue? Is the fuel pump the likely culprit? I have recently replaced the fuel filter so I doubt it is that. Also is there any other components of the ventilation system I should suspect?
Thanks a lot!!