Started looking at the fuel system over the wekend and now have some questions - easy ones I'm sure!

The Sierra fuel system has a fuel feed from the tank to a "vapour recirculation" device. This then has a pipe out to feed the carb with fuel and a pipe out for a fuel return to the tank.

Do I need to use this device and if so do I need a fuel return to the tank?

explanation greatly appreciated!

Cheers

Nick

Some do , some don't. I tried without and had problems with the fuel pressure beating the float valve causing flooding. Others report no problem leaving it off. You can mount it in the boot to save running a return pipe the length of the car. Mine does return a lot of fuel to the tank.

yours, Pete.

Pete

You using a lekky pump or the mech one on the engine ?

Always the one for the simple solution I've left this thingy off my system and just used the mechanicle engine pump. Up to now just revvin' and drivin' up and down my short drive' I've had no problems.
do I have trouble in store here ?


PS
For 'mechanicle' read mechanical

[Edited on 26/1/04 by jonti]

Good point Jonti!

I forgot to say that I'm intending to use the mechanical fuel pump on the engine.

Anyone else got any comments.

Nick

i was discussing this with my mate, a mechanic. Hes not a kit car chap but he says they cause loads of trouble. he didnt specify what though!

i myself will use it until said trouble arrives, then get rid. my main objection with not using it is as pete says, how can the pump alone know how much fuel to deliver, as it depends on load as well as revs. i could envisage the carbs getting flooded if the float gets stressed (technical term...)

others may well say they have had no problem with out it, so i suspect its not crucial either way.

how can the pump alone know how much fuel to deliver, as it depends on load as well as revs. i could envisage the carbs getting flooded if the float gets stressed (technical term...)

Mmmm fair point but the old Fords never 'ad 'em...... I'll suck it and see for a bit I think...........Another solution may e to use a lekky pump 'a la' the old BMC SU type as used on original minis etc. They tick along until the pressure is right, stop until it drops a bit then tick a bit more keeping an even pressure on the carb. Might save all that pipe-work.

Mine is the original mechanical pump with the Sierra twin choke carb. I think if it was not needed Ford would not have fitted it as they don't spend on anything they don't need.

yours, Pete.