Reply To: Fuel from petrol tank

If all was well before – and the filter isi installed the right way, it sounds to me as if the fuel has simply run back into the tank (blame Newton),  leaving the pipe empty and the pump,  being full of air, is struggling to prime the system.

Try priming it with the hand lever until fuel reaches the pump – and beyond.

If that fails pressurise the tank with the pump outlet disconnected. It does not require a great deal of pressure to lift fuel to the pump where the valves will (should?) stop it returning immediately..  If no air-line available, mouth over filler and blow hard and long.

French models do have a rubber elbow on top of the tank which is prone to perishing after 50+ years, allowing air to be drawn instead of fuel.  It is under the plate in the centre of the boot but, if it was OK before, it is unlikely to be the problem in this instance – but not impossible. Pressurising the tank will reveal if it is split as fuel will be forced out.

B…