15 replies to this topic

[chastings68]

I admitted defeat, took mini to the shop.

500 later, they said it was fixed.  It was able to run without the choke out,, so thats good.

But after driving it for 20 minutes, letting it sit for 10, then driving it for another 20, it sputtered, lost power, and died, just like before.

The PO said that he siphon drained the gas tank.

I think I should replace the fuel filter, but I cant find it.

I know its not in the engine compartment...

Any ideas?

Thanks,

C

[dklawson]

To the best of my knowledge, there isn't a factory fuel filter installed.  Some of the cars with HIF series carbs may have a filter screen on the inlet side of their float valve.  The only common filter I am aware of is the coarse strainer on the fuel pickup tube inside the fuel tank.

 

A previous owner may have installed filter(s) on your car.  To find it you will need to check along your car's fuel line from the tank all the way to the carb(s).  

 

It is a good idea to replace filters you don't know the age of.  It's also a good idea to install a filter if none are present.  However, the short run time of your car followed by a rest period and another run period suggests another possible issue.  Drive your car again.  When it sputters and begins to die, immediately pull to the side of the road and remove the filler cap from the gas tank.  If you hear a "whoosh" of air rushing into the tank, the tank's vent tube is blocked and needs to be cleaned out or replaced.  A plugged tank vent will allow a vacuum to develop as the fuel is drawn out by the pump.  When enough vacuum develops, the pump can no longer deliver any fuel causing the engine to stumble and die.

[chastings68]

I traced the fuel hoses from under the rear left to the front middle.

No filter.

Weird.

I'm gonna drive it today and hope that it sputters.  Thats really weird.  I'll have the key for the cap with me.

The cap is german, and I think its vented, but I'm not sure.  The seal is very cracked too.

C

[nicklouse]

At that age the tank will vent to atmosphe anyway.

I would be looking in the float chamber.

[chastings68]

Why the float chamber?

The mechanic that "fixed" it said that he rebuilt the carb, and replaced the needle, seat, and float.

Thanks in advance!  Karen (fiance) said shes gonna keep this car forever so I really need to learn how it works.  You guys are amazing

[nicklouse]

It is the best place to see what is going on.

When it dies have a look in it. Is their fuel? Yes then you have a different issue.

If there is no fuel then you might have a pump issue. Or you may have something in the tank restricting the flow.

[chastings68]

How do I check the float chamber?
​On one of my VWs, I'd just pull off the top of the carb. I don't see a way to do that with the HIF38?

[dklawson]

With the HIF carbs there is no simple way to check the float level or peek inside.  You have to remove the carb, flip it over, and remove the bottom plate... which exposes the float bowl and float valve.  If you decide to remove the carb and check the float valve settings, I suggest you buy a bottom cover gasket/seal before working on the carb.  They can harden up over time.

[nicklouse]

How do I check the float chamber?
​On one of my VWs, I'd just pull off the top of the carb. I don't see a way to do that with the HIF38?

 Ahhh as above not that easy. but not the carb I would have expected on a 1974 Mini.

[chastings68]

Its also got a 1275 engine that I think was made in 1980.

Hauls like a scalded dog tho.

[nicklouse]

So in other words you original question is pointless. As it is not original.

So back to your question yes it may have a fuel filter and it could be anywhere between the tank and the carb, have fun looking.

Think on as we have no idea what spec your car is. Only the words you use.

[chastings68]

when it runs!

[chastings68]

I'm sorry, I didn't realize that the engine that's in the vehicle has ANYTHING to do with the placement of the fuel filter.

So, the vehicle is a 74 (at least I think it is.  It looks like a mid-70s, has the ID tag that says 74, etc).

It has a 1275 in it.  A single HIF38 carb. 

4 speed transmission (I don't know if that is whats supposed to be in it).

A round fuel tank in the rear of the car.

It has amazingly comfortable seats with great upholstery.  They probably came from something else.

That's the basics?  I think?  I'm not familiar enough with these vehicles to know the differences.

Thanks all, sorry for any confusion I've caused.

C

[dklawson]

No problem and no confusion.  Minis are commonly a mix of parts.  

 

The point remains, there would be no factory fuel filter on the lines between the tank and carb.  Any filter would be added by a previous owner so all you can do is inspect the fuel lines from back to front to see if one is present.

 

With your HIF carb there may (or may not) be a filter screen on the inlet side of the float valve in the carb.  The only way to know if the screen is present and clean it if necessary is to remove the HIF carb and its bottom cover as mentioned previously.  Once inside you will need to remove the float valve to access the screen.

 

It would be prudent to put a translucent fuel filter right before your carb when you are done with the work you car currently doing.  You can always look at a translucent filter to see how dirty it is.  The disposable filters that were once common on air cooled VWs are a good choice.

[chastings68]

I'll get one today.

On aircooled VWs, its not smart to install a plastic fuel filter in the engine compartment because of the heat and the engine compartment size. On Mustags, the egine is large, but the engine compartment is huge, so a plastic fuel filter CAN be installed in the engine compartment.

I think I should put the filter just forward of the gas tank, just in case.

Thoughts?