Hey Everyone,

Nice to meet you all!

Looked through the forums but couldn't find anything related (TBH Forum noob and probs not searching properly)

'98 *cough "V" 40 T4 1.9L Turbo (same, same right???...)

270,000kms on the clock.

For months had an issue with acceleration. Runs normal but at takeoff, hill start or heavy acceleration it "chokes" for a few seconds (never stalls), then runs fine.

However, when the tank gets to 1/4 full. Sputters like empty but have always limped to the petrol station.

For the last 2 weeks though, at 1/2 tank. "Runs out" of fuel even though still 1/2 full.

Fill the tank, runs "fine" again. Always has the acceleration issue.

Thanks in advance.

 

Check your fuel pressure - bad pump or restriction (maybe in the in-tank screen?). Or bad fuel filter?

 

Common problem areas for the 1.9T are 1) the wire harness to the coils 2) fuel pressure regulator 3) evap system issues.

Yours sounds like an issue with the evap system, fuel tank vent or perhaps a weak pump. As Habby noted you may also have a fuel pump constriction - fuel filter is located in front of the drivers side rear wheel (lol, I think... haven't been under there in a while).

For a test, you should be able to put a fuel pressure guage on it (check youtube for vids - there should be a shrader valve on the fuel rail...

 

Thanks guys!

I have a new fuel pump. Going to install it tomorrow.

I'll get a fuel pressure gauge as well and give it a test. See what happens.

Hoping it's not the fuel pump. Those bad boys are $$$

I'll keep you posted.

Jake

 

That post read like it was crafted in Wonderland... ??? ;-)

 

While you are in the tank empty it clean it.It seems you have had some (lot) water accumulated in there so while the gauge shows half way its actually full with water.If there is a lot of water you will probably need to replace the entire assembly because of rust not just the pump.Take samples from the gas see if there is water in there.

 

Quick Update,

*Habbyguy: Took me a bit to understand the wonderland reference...Fair enough

Replaced the spark plugs today. Runs heaps better, but hasn't solved the underlying acceleration lag issue

I'm replacing the fuel FILTER this weekend

Does anyone know where I can find parts diagrams online? There are 2 different pumps and my guy doesn't want to sell me the wrong one.

I've attached a photo of the old spark plugs for interest/insight.

Have a good weekend blokes.

 

Did you check for water?Those gaps are on the huge side even for Iridium's no wonder it didnt wanna spark makes me think if you actually had spark blow out on boost.

 

Hey mate,

No, I haven't checked for water. Is there a way to do that without taking the tank out?

I've just changed the fuel filter. A bit of "fuel" came out. I followed the procedure in my Haynes manual, but even still, my eye can attest to the fluid being fuel...

Cheers

 

On the floor they both evaporate cant go by eyes.Get samples into a jar or see-trough can.You could do that at the filter (should have been done before new filter while the line is open) or at the port as it goes into the fuel rail.Let it sit for a couple of minutes.I had this problem I killed 2 pump before I did it right.

 

Damn It!!!

Got down there this morning. Sweet mother of god it was cold.

Anyway, "cracked" the hose at the back of the fuel filter and drained into a jar.

This is the result. Didn't appear to be any water in the system which is a good sign.

New symptom though. The fuel gauge (digital) started bouncing around like it's on a jumping castle. My guess is the relay cracked it. It only bounces between it's highest level and full. If that makes sense.

BTW: Really want to thank you guys for all your help. Really appreciate it.

All fuel. No H2O.

 

Good to see no water.Now you just need to replace the fuel level sender unit.Now that you mentioned that your gauge is jumping that would explain why you ran out of fuel.