issues when starting on low fuel

**GEG** · 22-06-2009 10:26 AM

hi everyone, as part of my ongoing issue series:

when the fuel is at a lowish level, the car is so hard to start, it doesnt turn over for atleast 5 seconds, and just keeps making that sound as it cranks. it sounds like when you try and the battery is flat, but it catches on after about 5 seconds, and then the revs kick in..

realising this is an older car, but what can i do to help this along? is this what a fuel pump is for? as soon as i fill in some petrol it kicks off straight away. but as the tank empties the start time increases to the point that i get worried it will be dead and unable to start. by low fuel i mean 20% of the tank and lower..

tips?

**OMG.JAI xD** · 22-06-2009 11:14 AM

Id try checking the state of your fuel pump first.

Are you by anychance trying to start the car on an incline or decline.
Even if you have 20%, on an incline the fuel pump wont be able to pick up all the fuel.
If you dont have initial pressure, you wont have a very smooth and easy start.

**GEG** · 22-06-2009 11:19 AM

well i park my car on the road, which is uphill yes. 25/30 degrees maybe?

but is there anyway i can add something into the system to force the fuel pressure up?

**OMG.JAI xD** · 22-06-2009 10:40 PM

No. Fuel pump is the only source of initial pressure.
Try reverse parking so your car is facing downhill.

I think the fuel pump is placed more towards the front of the tank.

**aaronng** · 23-06-2009 07:48 AM

Have you replaced your fuel filter recently? If you haven't, do it. A clean filter will have less resistance and the fuel pump can work more efficiently with sending pumping fuel to the injectors.