Shiny Brassy Colour Bits In Fuel Tank

[cwrtcoed]

Hi

i just had my c3 hdi 03 reg injectors checked and guess what, two are dribbling out fuel whilst the other two are totally blocked, hence why it doesnt start properly. i spoke to a diesel expert and he has said to check the fuel tank under the seat and if you can see shiny bits in the fuel that means your high pressure fuel pump is probably worn. As i guessed there are brassy bits covering the bottom tank, so i have used a magnetic tip to get a out and drained most of the fuel before taking the tank out tomorrow.

The car has done 83,000m, wouldnt i have debris at the bottom after that sort of mileage? new injectors are going to cost a packet, if i replace the pump i just as well change the belt and water pump.

i was thinking of adding another filter in the fuel line and attach a magnet to the fuel sender plastic surround so it catches all the metal bits, has anyone experienced the brass bits in the tank and what did you do?

 

re

rich

[paul.h]

First thoughts are the low pressure and / or the high pressure fuel pump is worn. If so, there should also be bits in the fuel filter. I may be wrong, but as well as replacing the pump(s) it could mean it all needing cleaning out (tank and pipes) or the bits may still cause problems - wearing out the new pumps and blocking the new injectors. It sounds expensive, at a guess injectors and pumps may be around £1000, if so it may be worth looking at used ones. Note that brass is not magnetic so a magnet will not catch these bits, only any steel ones.

[cwrtcoed]

Yes they must be metal but look brass coloured, im trying to get the tank off, does it come off with the long nozzle bit attached to the fuel cap, looks awkward. I just bought nearly new injectors for £330 so a good price, fuel pump for £150 but before i buy im looking to price to refurb mine depending again on price.New timing belt kit with water pump so im going to be busy for the next week depending on weather. Anyone knows the best way to clean out the fuel tank of metal bits, just flush with water or use something else

 

re

rich

[paul.h]

Haynes manual says the filler neck can not be separated from the tank. It is fastened at the top by a bolt to the inner wheel arch so the arch liner has to be removed to get to it. Haynes suggests swilling out the tank with clean fuel if there is sediment or water.

 

With the fuel pump removed, if you can get a hand inside I would wipe it out with a clean lint free rag as best you can. If the metal bits settle out in the fuel, it may be possible to re-use most of the old fuel by letting it settle in a bucket, but check it is clean in a clear jar as it is put back in the tank

[cwrtcoed]

just dropped the tank into local radiator specialists, they been around for years. Gona leave it overnight with chemicals then flush it out to be sure, paying for almost new injectors and fuel pump to have it clogged up again just for the sake of around £40. The tank was a mare to get out, you need to raise the car quite high, take the rear n/s wheel off and remove plastic splashguard, exhaust needs to come out undo fuelfiller cap and screws then its a matter of twisitng and turning and it does come off. Once i get it back on its the timing belt change next