Hard start after sitting a few days

[nesky45]

I have a 72 with a Weber 32/36, and mechanical fuel pump. If I drive the car every day or two it starts right up. If it sits for 5 or 6 days it is really hard to start. The last time I had to put some gas in the carb to get her to fire up. I suspect the gas is draining out of the lines and there is not enough in carb to start the car. Is there a way to fix this other than installing an electric fuel pump?

Thanks,

Craig

[mcaden]

I had a problem where I think air got into the line at the fuel sender causing the gas to drain back to the tank after about a week or so of sitting. My connection there was bad (old fuel line and no clamp). Check the fuel line leading from the sender and make sure there is a clamp on it. Also make sure the small plastic sleeve that covers the brass tube on the sender (outgoing connection) is there and not cracked. Make sure the fuel line at the sender is not old and mealy at the connection. You could also check and see if you have fuel in your fuel filter next time after it sits a while (e.g., before you start it)... to see its drained all the way back.

I don't know if anyone has ever done this, but I am curious if a check valve (to prevent anti-backflow) inserted in the fuel line might cure. Just a thought that perhaps others might know more about the merits of a check valve.

Good luck.

-Marc

[c.d.iesel]

...." Is there a way to fix this

other than installing

an electric fuel pump? "

yea - please DO NOT put an electrical

pump on the car.

new mechanical pump

new rubber gas hoses - front and trunk

new carb float needle with rubber point tip

[Kpeters]

Check the float chamber, the car should have enough gas unless it has been sitting for a very very long time. My E21 does that a bit.

[c.d.iesel]

....a E21 with fuel injection - that has long cranking

is not the same as a carb'ed 2002 with mechanical fuel delivery pump.

E21 injection system has check valves in the fuel pump, fuel distributor,

fuel accumulator that hold static system pressure over many hours,

and should fill very quickly for instant starting even if left for days.

Totally different fuel system and situation

[Kpeters]

....a E21 with fuel injection - that has long cranking

is not the same as a carb'ed 2002 with mechanical fuel delivery pump.

My E21 has a Solex 4A1 carb its european spec not a USA 320i but a 320/6.

[nesky45]

I replaced the fuel pump with OEM this spring. Also, replace the carb with a new Weber. Have to laugh because I had a electric pump, which I was not happy with, and after one of CD's posts, I went back to the mechanical pump.

Seems like the bowl is draining out. I do not smell and gas in the garage, however. Is there a check valve available?

Thanks,

Craig

[Psymon]

I am just curious. What is wrong with a elec fuel pump for a carbed 2002??

[Kpeters]

As long as its low pressure I see no problem.