A3 fuel Problems,was broke down in Morganfield, Kentucky

[RainbowDash]

I'm on my way back to Montana and the A3 is having problems getting fuel. It just chugs along at about 25mph

I replaced the fuel filter a few months ago

Is there anyone in the area who could perhaps come take a look at it?

 

[Valence]

I am of zero help physically, but the member maps say forum member M816Buch lives in Morganfield and has an M816 wrecker and M109A3. I sent a private message to M816Buch for help on your behalf.

With these two forum members are an hour north in Mt Vernon, Indiana:
monkster
leroygreen

 

[RainbowDash]

Message sent, let's see if I can get it fixed now

 

[swbradley1]

One was last on in August and the other in June.

We have two members over closer to Louisville but your best bet is for the M35A3 guys to chime in.

I suspect fuel filters. I'm not as familiar with the A3 but does it have an in tank pump? Is it working? Then go to the primaries.

One step at a time to rule out all the easy stuff.

 

[RainbowDash]

Mine only has the lift pump on the engine and nothing in the tank, I changed the fuel filter 5 months or so ago and have driven it very lightly since

 

[swbradley1]

Okay

Are there any places you can get a new filter? I'd still try that first.

Clean fuel? Fittings tight along the entire fuel line? (No sucking air.)

 

[swbradley1]

A post I found from Warthog:

The check valve on the fuel tank likes to rust closed causing a no fuel situation.


There is no in tank fuel pump so bleeding/priming the fuel system takes some work.

 

[RainbowDash]

I'll try a new filter

So far all the fittings appear very tight

The check valve from on top of the tank opens when I blow air into it, so I think its letting fuel pass through it

The problem started on the trip and gradually got worse until now where it just chugs, and I've gotten new fuel since then and it's only gotten worse

 

[swbradley1]

Here is a post from about fuel system and priming hoefler:

I have gone through two A3 fuel systems.
What to do. First, take the elbow off the top of the tank-there is a check valve in it. It may be gummed up. Clean it so the valve-ball operates freely. Re-install. Open petcock on bottom of fuel filter. Stuff a rag in top of tank and gently apply compressed air into tank until fuel starts to run out of open petcock. Close petcock. Try starting-she should fire right up. Once running, drive to Dairy Queen and get large malt.

 

[swbradley1]

But it sounds like you may have crud in the tank that slowly got sucked in and clogged the filter.

 

[RainbowDash]

I'm not sure where to get a new filter out here

 

[swbradley1]

NAPA Auto Parts

Address: 1075 US Highway 60 W, Morganfield, KY 42437
Phone270) 389-3593

 

[RainbowDash]

Alright, ran some compressed air through the line, no fuel came out of the petcock, when I changed the fuel filter or even when I have it running and I open it, it never lets anything out anyway

 

[swbradley1]

So, no fuel at the bottom of the filter? Can you take the line off the tank at the ball valve and figure out a way to get compressed air into the tank fill opening?

Maybe the pickup is clogged.

 

[RainbowDash]

New fuel filter installed, they actually had two types in stock that fit the 3116

We are back on the road and will check in

 

[Valence]

Hope you were able to buy extras!

 

[Scar59]

NAPA Auto Parts

Address: 1075 US Highway 60 W, Morganfield, KY 42437
Phone270) 389-3593

Just got in from farm chores, way to assist Steve. Sounds like the tank had a lot of crude. Filters will be a must. Is he going now?
JC

 

[gringeltaube]

Maybe the pickup is clogged.

That's what I think is happening. According to the book the A3 comes with a screen/strainer at the end of the pickup tube.

If there is enough dirt in there it will soon be clogged again. One way to keep going is blowing air into that tube, at elbow #25.
Best if he could make a stop somewhere and have that tank cleaned.

 

[FloridaAKM]

As usual, Steel Soldiers members come to the rescue of another member in distress on the road! Almost as good as a wrecker on standby where it is needed!

 

[m816Buch]

WOW!!!!! just got in......sorry that I was not available to help