Stranded

[edward ericson]

Seeing as how it’s about to rain all weekend here, I figured I’d run Bridget into work this a.m.. So I get about 2 miles from my driveway, winding her up Rt 40, well into 4th gear, cranking ever nearer the 55 mph speed limit, when she ups and dies.

No power, then on, then off, and I’m sloooowing dooowwwnn. . . .

I pull into an empty lot and commence the emergency flashers. Turn the key and get rr rrr rrr, but no vroom. She’s acting out of gas.

Check the tank. Still gas in there. Look at the motor. No signs of explosion. But…wait. That fuel filter looks suspiciously low on fuel.

Anyway, no tools, dressed for the office, I get on the phone to call a tow guy up the road. Before I can make the call, a dude rolls up in a diesel pickup and offers to tow me home with his tow bar. Gratis.

He and his buddy–never did get that guy’s name–help me roll Bridget up on the tow bar back wheels first (don’t want to damage my tailpipe pulling her the other way), drag me home and push me and Bridget back into my garage. I couldn’t do anything for the guy. Forced him to take my card; he had none. Finally he told me his name was Eugene.

Sort of renewed my faith in my fellow man.

Anyway, after work I swapped in a new fuel filter and she started right up. The old one was so full of rust I think the pump couldn’t pull gas through it any more. Hopefully it’ll be non-rainy long enough tomorrow a.m. that I’ll be able to road-test her.

Wish me luck. Chime in with any advice.

[Paul Mossberg]

When you do your road test, bring along a couple spare filters and the tools to change them.

It sounds like crud in your gas tank finding it’s way through. Thank goodness for the filters!

If it happens a couple times, you may want to pull the tank and have it cleaned.

Paul Mossberg
Former Owner of a 1981 Classic Roadsters Ltd. Duchess (VW)
2005 Intermeccanica Roadster

If you own a TDr and are not in the Registry, please go to https://tdreplica.com/forums/topic/mg-td-replica-registry/ and register (you need to copy and paste the link)

[edward ericson]

Yup. I bought two filters yesterday. One will live under the passenger seat until needed. Also thinking hard about doing the tank liner thing.

I wonder if anyone here has tried any of these

http://www.caswellplating.com/aids/epoxygas.htm
 
http://www.jcwhitney.com/liquid-fuel-tank-liner-kits/p200079 5.jcwx

[Dale Schumacher]

Ed,

I did the JC Whitney one – worked good – still driving 3 years later – no

problem. They have two types – I used the cheaper one.

Dale

[Greg Stickney]

This event shows that there are some really great people out there willing and able to help when you need it the most. That said, a $20 and a cell phone will almost always get you home.

Greg

[Dan Rosa]

  Yes,,Ed  tank sealers work follow the directions I found that using one inch cut stone work very well i have done many motorcycle tanks  remember to change the filter that is before the pump. and ,!!??        &nbs p;     good luck   ,Dan

[edward ericson]

Thanks, folks. I guess I’ll order the kit today. Put $15 in the tank yesterday (probably not a smart move) but I have two empty 6 gallon boat tanks I can strain the gas in and out of when the time comes. Dan, thanks: I just happen to have a yard full of jagged little landscape rocks. They should work better than drywall screws.

Now to find out if actually have the before-the-pump fuel filter.

[Author]

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