Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
That's probably just because the engine shuts off.
I'd agree if it was dropping to zero shortly after the engine was shutting off, not before.
Quote:
Originally Posted by NJGOAT
It would help if we knew the year, make and model of the vehicle. It can all be related and caused by the condensation freezing. It could also be an electronic issue related to the relays in the fuel pump assembly. The fact that it keeps starting and runs for a bit leads me to think it may not be the frozen issue, but that is certainly still on the list. It could just be that the fuel pump or ignition switch is going bad.
Those two, especially the fuel pump failing possibility was what I thought of first. Especially if the fuel gauge sensor is a part of the fuel pump assembly.
So doing what NJ goat mentioned, turning the ignition on, waiting couple of seconds then turning the ignition off a few times should presumably prime the fuel pump and build some pressure. Perhaps, checking the fuel line pressure is in order (it is very easy and you can rent the kit from Autozone, etc.)
Another thing I'd definitely do is to pop the hood up and watch/listen and observe what is happening when the engine dies.
Last edited by TurcoLoco; 01-22-2014 at 03:15 PM..
I had a similar problem recently and changing the spark plugs solved it.
The car would start ok and then shortly after the engine would quit. I wouldn't have suspected spark plugs because the engine started initially. But I took it to a garage and they changed the spark plugs.... no more engine stops.
I mean even if fuel pump failed, some sort of a fuel contamination was likely the cause of it, especially since he mentioned:
So, quite possibly, he has multiple issues to deal with.
Actually - seriously - I wouldn't be surprised if there is some condensation gathering on that little screen that is on the bottom of the fuel pump, right along the bottom of the tank. As enough moisture moves through it, it freezes, and starves out the pump.
And I truly hope that's what it is, because the fix is cheap and simple!
By the way, if you're using gasoline that contains 10% ethanol/alcohol, you basically have HEET in the fuel system. It should never freeze up.
Ethanol freezes, and that's why it's not used in Alaska. But Isoheet (the red color Heet) works better than the yellow-color bottle. Something else that freezes or jells is #2 diesel fuel at the pump, so during the winter months what is sold at the pump is $1 diesel (a #2 that has been blended to resist freezing).
Ethanol freezes, and that's why it's not used in Alaska. But Isoheet (the red color Heet) works better than the yellow-color bottle. Something else that freezes or jells is #2 diesel fuel at the pump, so during the winter months what is sold at the pump is $1 diesel (a #2 that has been blended to resist freezing).
I apologize to garageLogic. He was correct about the very high freezing point of ethanol. But the reason why it's not used in Alaska is because the gasoline/ethanol blends create engine start problems, something to do with vaporization (don't know the technical stuff). Anyway, while the ethanol/gasoline blend may not readily freeze, moisture from air getting in the tank as the level of gasoline in the tank drops, does freeze. See…moisture does not mix with the gasoline/ethanol mix past the amount of ethanol present in the blend, although some of the mixture will be absorbed by the ethanol depending on temperature. Moisture past that point flow toward the bottom of the tank, and eventually freeze in the fuel line and other components.
But the ethanol and other liquids (Heet, Isoheet, etc.) probably is pure enough to absorb more of the mixture in the tank, and that's why Heet products are so widely used in Alaska.
I meant to say, " absorb more of the moisture remaining in the tank."
Please register to post and access all features of our very popular forum. It is free and quick. Over $68,000 in prizes has already been given out to active posters on our forum. Additional giveaways are planned.
Detailed information about all U.S. cities, counties, and zip codes on our site: City-data.com.
Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
