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Technical Engine suddenly stops ongoing

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Technical Engine suddenly stops ongoing

Rellinars

Rellinars

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Oct 2, 2013
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1991 Sisley has began stopping while running. It happens maybe once a day (I make about 10km daily). The car is running fine and suddenly looses power completely and the car stops. The radio keeps running with no signs of power problems. Then I start it again and it works at first try and probably I can get home normally.
I have checked and cleaned all the distributor connectors with no success. I thinks it's not the alternator nor the battery because I can run fine with lights on, radio on and iPhone charging.
What do I have to check next? :confused:
 
Hi, what about:
- dirty fuel,
- clogged fuel line/carb,
- rust pieces inside tank (4x4 -> metal tank),

What fuel level do you normally run on? If it is constantly low the pump might be sucking all the crap from the tank.
 
thank you I will try that ignition module box if it's not expensive. To me it seems and electrical issue.
 
Went to Fiat service today, they will try changing the distributor sensor tomorrow and if it doesn't work the ignition module box in next try. From cheap to expensive, cross my fingers
 
well, after some days doing good my Sisley continues stopping every now and then but now I have detected that it happens some meters after passing a hilly slope. Yesterday I filled the tank and no difference. That makes me think that probably varesecrazy was right about the fuel pump. I would like to replace it myself but it is possible for a unpracticed but skillful person to do the job? Or I do better bring it to the garage? :confused:
 
Now, what did I tell you...?
Had you a little petrol with you, you could have whipped off the air filter and dribbled a little into the carb - had it fired up you'd be that bit wiser now...

Can someone else confirm whether or not the fuel pump on the early Panda actually delivers fuel by spring pressure or the arm..?

On my old Bedford CF (AC Delco pump) the fuel was lifted by the spring under the diaphram (the arm merely compressed the spring) I eventually discovered the spring was partially rusted through - sometimes it worked and sometimes it didn't. Intermittent faults are the worst kind to diagnose... Every time it did it, dribbling a little petrol into the carb solved the issue and helped diagnose the fault.

I used the same technique with a Skoda I had - that was down to the valves in the fuel pump (again mechanical) not seating correctly :rolleyes:

It's a straightforward job to replace the pump yourself - make sure you fit new gasket - 10mm bolts and a screwdriver - be sure to fit an inline fuel filter if there isn't one fitted at same time as well. Check fuel lines while at it (before you do job) renew if any signs of cracking and use new hose clips if old ones look suspect.
 
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thanks lightweightmick, the problem is the engine fires up at first try after stalling, your idea is great if the car doesn't start.
I wil try to get a pump and install it by myself, and I hope it will solve the problem or I will get ruined
 
Rellinars said:
thanks lightweightmick, the problem is the engine fires up at first try after stalling, your idea is great if the car doesn't start.
I wil try to get a pump and install it by myself, and I hope it will solve the problem or I will get ruined
Click to expand...

- sounds like me, you depend on car for work... not good, as you're thinking it might not start next time...

Does it sometimes cut out when running at speed - ie. when the engine is demanding maximum fuel..? You do mention it could be related to hills - ie more demand for fuel...

The pump is filling float chamber on carb (and returning excess to tank) - so under normal conditions enough fuel will get through even if pump is running weak.
Thing is, if you disconnect outlet to test it, it will pump okay as it's not under load.

At least fitting a new pump will eliminate that and give you another course to go down if it continues...
sorry can't be of more help and can only go on my past experiences...
It's very frustrating I know, but do stick with it and keep us informed, as we might be in a similar situation one day
cheers (y)
 
lightweightmick said:
Does it sometimes cut out when running at speed - ie. when the engine is demanding maximum fuel..? You do mention it could be related to hills - ie more demand for fuel...


It's very frustrating I know, but do stick with it and keep us informed, as we might be in a similar situation one day
cheers (y)
Click to expand...

No, it never happens running at speed, in fact it happens only when I'm driving in rural paths, 2nd shift and very light gas. To be exact it happens when I'm following my dog to trot with the Panda. It's frustrating yes, but not grave because I use this car just for fun.
I will change the pump next month, no more budget in november. I'm also trying to sell the car because I have a Trekking almost new waiting for the baton. If someone's interested in a left handed Panda:
http://www.milanuncios.com/todoterreno-de-ocasion/fiat-panda-4x4-sisley-107087858.htm
 
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I think the previous suggestions are where you should start but a couple of things to consider whilst you diagnose...

One thing not mentioned, is the carb icing up? Make sure that the little aluminum tube from the exhaust manifold to the air filter box is there. That can cause similar symptoms, normally the car will just run horribly with no power but can completely cut out, usually you can keep it going by giving it some choke. If it does cut out it will only take a few minutes to melt and run normally.

With regard the fuel pump. I spent ages trying to work out why my car wasn't working and changed the fuel pump for various new ones to no avail. It turned out that the rod that pushes the pump and that is driven by the camshaft had become sticky in the head, and my cam shaft had actually worn into a circle and so no longer pushed the pump. I had to change the cam shaft and the little rod. You can tell quite quickly if the camshaft is worn if you lift off the rocker cover as the wear is unlikely to be even.

EDIT
Oh you're in Spain, carb icing is unlikely unless you are up a mountain where it has started snowing, in which case it is very likely!
 
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The fuel filter should be full of fuel or not? It has installed a transparent new one and it looks almost empty, even when I do accelerate the engine. I can put a pincture later in necessary
 
fuel pump replaced and problem persists
battery replaced (died trying to start after one stall) and problem persists
Next step: distributor cables (on the way)
 
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