Hey guys,

My Rover's been sitting awhile, and I need to start it to take it for an inspection as soon as I get a chance. I believe it was low on petrol just before the really hot spell, and perhaps what remained has evaporated. It turns over like normal, but will not start... even after turning it much longer than normal. I have filled up with more petrol, so it should have between 1/4 and 1/2 a tank now.

Questions...

Something deep in my brain tells me that something needs to be primed when you completely run out of petrol in a carburettor car. Is this true? If so, what do I do?

In addition to that, is there a way of testing the functionality of the fuel pump. I had reason to believe it was slightly dodgy earlier on, and I wonder if it could possibly have become worse, or died entirely?

Thanks guys, as always.

- Adam

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1988 Holden Commodore VL Executive
1988 Holden Commodore VL Executive (Parts Car)
1963 Ford Anglia Deluxe

Carbies should get fuel through with a turn or two, diesels are the ones that need priming fully. Have you tried taking the fuel lead off the carby and getting someone to turn the engine over (while aiming the fuel lead away from anything hot or electrical!) that will tell you if priming or fuel pump is your issue.

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Noli Illegitimi Carborundum

If the car ran out of fuel, or the line went dry, it can take an age to get the fuel up the fuel line, through the pump and into the carburetor. The mechanical fuel pumps on the back of the engine aren't so good at priming from low tanks until they are wet with petrol.

Fill the float bowl up on the carburetor and try to start the engine again. It should run this time if everything else is fine. By the time it has run out of fuel the fuel should be up the line. If not, try once more and then take a look at the fuel pump.

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SooperDooperMiniCooperExpertEngineering

All garage work involves equal measures of enthusiasm, ingenuity and a fair degree of irresponsibility.