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Omega Help Area => Omega General Help => Topic started by: tigers_gonads on 19 August 2016, 11:15:37

Title: Won't run on petrol
Post by: tigers_gonads on 19 August 2016, 11:15:37
Morning peeps  ;D
Just got home from sunny stoke and could do with a few pointers on this little problem for when I get out of bed  ::)

Car started the week running great as normal.
A few evenings back, it became a right pain in the arse to start on petrol.
The car had been sat facing the sun all day. To get to work, I had to force it to start on LPG  :(

Eventually, it totally failed to start on petrol so out I jumped and had a good sniff of the exhaust hoping to smell petrol but to no avail  :(
Laid on my back and punched 10 barrels of shite out of the tank and it fired on petrol so drove for about 15 miles on petrol then switched to gas with no problem.
Tried to switch back to petrol and it immediately died  >:(
That was the last time it ran on petrol.
I did notice that the pump doesn't seem to be pressurising the fuel system when the key is first turned to position 2 now either  :(

Anybody had this before ?

Any pointers on this welcome  :)



Title: Re: Won't run on petrol
Post by: Diamond Black Geezer on 19 August 2016, 11:24:27
Not a ruddy clue about LPG, but given this issue is - in theory - just in the petrol fuel system, I'd suggest fill the tank up to 3/4 full. If it's your lift pump that's gone a by-bye, then the car will start lovely, until at just under half a tank/maybe a quarter, the car will start to struggle. Common issue which can be short-term bodge-repaired by always having over half a tank in.

Option B might be a blocked petrol filter.


I might have one 'in stock' too  :y. I was toying with coming up and pestering you for some door trims/other PFL bits so another one of our swapsies arrangements might occur...  :y
Title: Re: Won't run on petrol
Post by: Nick W on 19 August 2016, 11:24:47
Check the fuel pump fuse is OK.
Then check the pump relay is working. If you touch it while somebody else turns the ignition on, you should be able to feel it click on and off. Or you could swap it with one of the others.
If that all checks out, your next step is to check for power actually at the pump connector using a muti-meter.
If you get this far, you've diagnosed a knackered fuel pump. Fit a new one
Title: Re: Won't run on petrol
Post by: Doctor Gollum on 19 August 2016, 18:17:30
Fuel pump is bollaxed. Buy another one and fit it :y

Giveaway is that the engine starts after you've given the tank a thump... :y
Title: Re: Won't run on petrol
Post by: tigers_gonads on 19 August 2016, 18:24:42
Fuel pump is bollaxed. Buy another one and fit it :y

Giveaway is that the engine starts after you've given the tank a thump... :y



Did start after a good slapping  ;D
Since then, I can get the od cough out of the engine and that's about it  ::)
God i'm a hard bastid  :D :D

Is they anything temporary I can do to get it running for a few days until I can get one ?
Any chance it could be crap in the tank around the cup that the pump / float sits in ?

Is the one off the 2.5 / 3ltr compatible ?
Title: Re: Won't run on petrol
Post by: tigers_gonads on 19 August 2016, 18:36:35
Morning peeps  ;D
Just got home from sunny stoke and could do with a few pointers on this little problem for when I get out of bed  ::)

Car started the week running great as normal.
A few evenings back, it became a right pain in the arse to start on petrol.
The car had been sat facing the sun all day. To get to work, I had to force it to start on LPG  :(

Eventually, it totally failed to start on petrol so out I jumped and had a good sniff of the exhaust hoping to smell petrol but to no avail  :(
Laid on my back and punched 10 barrels of shite out of the tank and it fired on petrol so drove for about 15 miles on petrol then switched to gas with no problem.
Tried to switch back to petrol and it immediately died  >:(
That was the last time it ran on petrol.
I did notice that the pump doesn't seem to be pressurising the fuel system when the key is first turned to position 2 now either  :(

Anybody had this before ?

Any pointers on this welcome  :)




Title: Re: Won't run on petrol
Post by: Nick W on 19 August 2016, 18:37:38



Did start after a good slapping  ;D
Since then, I can get the od cough out of the engine and that's about it  ::)
God I'm a hard bastid  :D :D

Is they anything temporary I can do to get it running for a few days until I can get one ?
Any chance it could be crap in the tank around the cup that the pump / float sits in ?

Is the one off the 2.5 / 3ltr compatible ?


There's a chance that could be your problem, but I bet when you look in the tank when you change the pump you'll find it spotless. It's the same wishful thinking that blames a £5 fuel filter rather than the actual problem.


I suspect that all petrol Omegas use the same pump. A quick Google shows that the same in-tank pump is listed for most petrol Vauxhalls of this age, and are available new for about £30.
Title: Re: Won't run on petrol
Post by: tigers_gonads on 19 August 2016, 18:39:44
Not a ruddy clue about LPG, but given this issue is - in theory - just in the petrol fuel system, I'd suggest fill the tank up to 3/4 full. If it's your lift pump that's gone a by-bye, then the car will start lovely, until at just under half a tank/maybe a quarter, the car will start to struggle. Common issue which can be short-term bodge-repaired by always having over half a tank in.

Option B might be a blocked petrol filter.


I might have one 'in stock' too  :y. I was toying with coming up and pestering you for some door trims/other PFL bits so another one of our swapsies arrangements might occur...  :y
[/highlight]


Your a cheeky idiot  ;D ;D
Give us a ring / text when your about mate but beware, i'm on 3 more nights in Stoke from Sunday so be carful what time you ring  ;)
Title: Re: Won't run on petrol
Post by: tigers_gonads on 19 August 2016, 18:44:24



Did start after a good slapping  ;D
Since then, I can get the od cough out of the engine and that's about it  ::)
God I'm a hard bastid  :D :D

Is they anything temporary I can do to get it running for a few days until I can get one ?
Any chance it could be crap in the tank around the cup that the pump / float sits in ?

Is the one off the 2.5 / 3ltr compatible ?


There's a chance that could be your problem, but I bet when you look in the tank when you change the pump you'll find it spotless. It's the same wishful thinking that blames a £5 fuel filter rather than the actual problem.


I suspect that all petrol Omegas use the same pump. A quick Google shows that the same in-tank pump is listed for most petrol Vauxhalls of this age, and are available new for about £30.



Just been on the europarts site and ebay
Prices from well over a ton down to about 50 quid
Got one on my pfl breaker but that hasn't spun for about 3 1/2 years so will be a temp fix at best  :-\

How do these things come out ?

Tin panel in boot then undo lots of screws and a couple of pipes  :-\
Title: Re: Won't run on petrol
Post by: Nick W on 19 August 2016, 18:55:23
Just been on the europarts site and ebay
Prices from well over a ton down to about 50 quid
Got one on my pfl breaker but that hasn't spun for about 3 1/2 years so will be a temp fix at best  :-\

How do these things come out ?

Tin panel in boot then undo lots of screws and a couple of pipes  :-\


I've never bought this one, but how does £20 grab you?  LINK (https://www.worldcarparts.co.uk/fuel-pump-for-vauxhall-astra-corsa-vectra-carlton-cavalier-omega-zafira) You can buy them from other suppliers too.


That's just for the pump, which fits in the plastic swirlpot/fuel gauge sender that is clamped into the top of the tank. You undo the fuel hoses, disconnect the wiring connector and turn the collar that holds the assembly in. That's often the worst part of the job.
Title: Re: Won't run on petrol
Post by: tigers_gonads on 19 August 2016, 19:55:48
Just been on the europarts site and ebay
Prices from well over a ton down to about 50 quid
Got one on my pfl breaker but that hasn't spun for about 3 1/2 years so will be a temp fix at best  :-\

How do these things come out ?

Tin panel in boot then undo lots of screws and a couple of pipes  :-\


I've never bought this one, but how does £20 grab you?  LINK (https://www.worldcarparts.co.uk/fuel-pump-for-vauxhall-astra-corsa-vectra-carlton-cavalier-omega-zafira) You can buy them from other suppliers too.


That's just for the pump, which fits in the plastic swirlpot/fuel gauge sender that is clamped into the top of the tank. You undo the fuel hoses, disconnect the wiring connector and turn the collar that holds the assembly in. That's often the worst part of the job.



Dirty deed done dirt cheep  :y :y

£23:40 posted so even I cant complain  ;D

Thanks for the heads up Nick

Thanks all, i'll have a play tomorrow if I get chance but for that price, its worth having it in the spares kit anyway  :y
Title: Re: Won't run on petrol
Post by: henryd on 19 August 2016, 20:07:54
Fuel pump is bollaxed. Buy another one and fit it :y

Giveaway is that the engine starts after you've given the tank a thump... :y

Yep ^^^ :y
Title: Re: Won't run on petrol
Post by: Nick W on 19 August 2016, 20:23:30


Dirty deed done dirt cheep  :y :y

£23:40 posted so even I cant complain  ;D

Thanks for the heads up Nick

Thanks all, i'll have a play tomorrow if I get chance but for that price, its worth having it in the spares kit anyway :y


Once again, if you've a new replacement for a suspect part, not fitting it is crazy. Keep the old one as a spare if you're paranoid about it.
Title: Re: Won't run on petrol
Post by: tigers_gonads on 19 August 2016, 20:29:32


Dirty deed done dirt cheep  :y :y

£23:40 posted so even I cant complain  ;D

Thanks for the heads up Nick

Thanks all, i'll have a play tomorrow if I get chance but for that price, its worth having it in the spares kit anyway :y


Once again, if you've a new replacement for a suspect part, not fitting it is crazy. Keep the old one as a spare if you're paranoid about it.

The pump has done best part of 150K Nick so depending on time, it will be fitted regardless of the nature of the fault  ;)
Title: Re: Won't run on petrol
Post by: zirk on 19 August 2016, 20:48:53
The fact that you mentioned LPG, might suggest you've been running around on LPG at some point with hardly any petrol in the tank (weve all been there, tight bastards). Problem is when running on LPG the Petrol Pump is still permanently running as it needs to primed for switch over if the LPG runs out or throws a wobbly. Outcome is with hardly any petrol in the pump will drag up all sorts of shit, possibly blocking the Filter and or eventually burning out or killing the pump, not normally a problem for non LPG cars as the car will just give up when there's no fuel left.

I would also change the Filter whilst your there, and possibly purge some fuel through before the injectors after the jobs done, when you change the pump, be gentle with the top plate, the two pipe that feed the fuel pipes as with age they can become rusty and brittle, also try and remember which pipe goes where under the plate when you remove the plastic pump housing from the tank, and good luck getting the bastard rubber seal back in place when its time to put the top plate back on.  ;)
Title: Re: Won't run on petrol
Post by: Diamond Black Geezer on 22 August 2016, 08:14:02
Does this mean you're sorted, young man? Had a rummage in my spares/junk room, I literally have one spare but sounds like you're back on the road again?  :)
Title: Re: Won't run on petrol
Post by: tigers_gonads on 25 August 2016, 09:52:28
Does this mean you're sorted, young man? Had a rummage in my spares/junk room, I literally have one spare but sounds like you're back on the road again?  :)



Sorry mate, just got back yesterday and haven't even looked at the forum  :-[

Yes. i'm sorted.
Got a new one for 23 quid delivered off Nicks link  :y
Feel free to pop around if you need any bits or you want to plug my laptop in  :)
Title: Re: Won't run on petrol
Post by: Diamond Black Geezer on 25 August 2016, 09:53:21
Will do. Very glad you're sorted, lad.


Just delete your internet history before I get there.  :y
Title: Re: Won't run on petrol
Post by: tigers_gonads on 25 August 2016, 09:58:29
Okay, have new pump.
Fuse 18 is okay.
Relay clicks according to our lasses fingers  :-\


How the fick do you get these black rubberised collars off the top of the pump / float housing ?

I have hovered it out and had a play with penetrating spray and also idiotted my hand with a hammer too  :'( >:(

Is it a standard thread ?

I do have a old assembly sat here but having had more then one sleep in the last 10 years it has been sat in my spares box, can I fick remember which way the turns  :-[
Title: Re: Won't run on petrol
Post by: tigers_gonads on 25 August 2016, 10:00:38
Will do. Very glad you're sorted, lad.


Just delete your internet history before I get there.  :y



On a weekly basis young J  ;D
Can't have the missus working out how to use a computer and seeing what porn sites i've been on  :-X ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: Won't run on petrol
Post by: Nick W on 25 August 2016, 10:07:47


How the fick do you get these black rubberised collars off the top of the pump / float housing ?


Is it a standard thread ?


The proper tool is a fitted spanner, that firmly grips the collar without damaging it. They are expensive, and aren't universal. You could reverse engineer one in CAD and have it laser cut, or cut and file one by hand.

In the real world, large water pump pliers or careful work with a hammer and drift are the usual methods.
Title: Re: Won't run on petrol
Post by: tigers_gonads on 25 August 2016, 10:12:05


How the fick do you get these black rubberised collars off the top of the pump / float housing ?


Is it a standard thread ?


The proper tool is a fitted spanner, that firmly grips the collar without damaging it. They are expensive, and aren't universal. You could reverse engineer one in CAD and have it laser cut, or cut and file one by hand.

In the real world, large water pump pliers or careful work with a hammer and drift are the usual methods.



 ;D ;D

Just come off 13, 11 hour night shifts with only 2 days to wash clothes  :'(
Careful means a slightly smaller hammer  :-X :D :D

Cheers Nick  :)
Title: Re: Won't run on petrol
Post by: Nick W on 25 August 2016, 10:18:11


 ;D ;D

Just come off 13, 11 hour night shifts with only 2 days to wash clothes  :'(
Careful means a slightly smaller hammer  :-X :D :D

Cheers Nick  :)

In that case I would suggest that the only careful job you do is opening another cold beer.
Title: Re: Won't run on petrol
Post by: Diamond Black Geezer on 25 August 2016, 10:44:59
Big fat, old blunt screwdriver, similarly blunt cold chisel, or noggin of wood and a hammer, tapping at different places to get it going, then you tend to find one bit just 'bites' better and once it starts it goes pretty easy. In an estate you've bags more room than a saloon, too.


Oh, I'm doing the same job myself this weekend, so I feel your pain, so to speak, you're not alone! :y
Title: Re: Won't run on petrol
Post by: tigers_gonads on 25 August 2016, 14:20:30
Big fat, old blunt screwdriver, similarly blunt cold chisel, or noggin of wood and a hammer, tapping at different places to get it going, then you tend to find one bit just 'bites' better and once it starts it goes pretty easy. In an estate you've bags more room than a saloon, too.


Oh, I'm doing the same job myself this weekend, so I feel your pain, so to speak, you're not alone! :y



Got totally pished off with idiotting my knuckles with a lump hammer so went for another fumble in the loft and found a old collar off one of my many omega's that I have pulled apart over the years.
5 minutes with a old wood chisel and some more abuse from a screwdriver and the old one fell apart leaving me to just lift it off, do the business and rebuild it all  :y

Turned the key and it fired up first time  :D :D

As always. thanks lads  :-*
Title: Re: Won't run on petrol
Post by: Diamond Black Geezer on 25 August 2016, 14:31:17
Well, the smash off and replace method works very well, too! Glad you're back on the road, and tough wood that lift pump will be fine for donkeys now  :)


Few weeks and we'll try and get over to say hello again, man  :y
Title: Re: Won't run on petrol
Post by: tigers_gonads on 25 August 2016, 14:40:04
Well, the smash off and replace method works very well, too! Glad you're back on the road, and tough wood that lift pump will be fine for donkeys now  :)


Few weeks and we'll try and get over to say hello again, man  :y



You got my number bud  :)

Or if your around Skeg Vegas next week, pop around for a beer  :y :y
Title: Re: Won't run on petrol
Post by: Diamond Black Geezer on 25 August 2016, 14:42:13
haha. Much appreciated, thanks  :)