Anybody experienced this?

eamon

Hello Folks

This morning I attempted to start my car (Citroen Berlingo 1.6 HDI 09 plate). It started but died after about 2-3 seconds as if it wasn't getting any fuel. Subsequent turning the key led to "Crank but no start". My drive is an incline possible about 10° and the car was facing up the hill. I called my rescue service and after a bit of under bonnet fiddling we got it to start. I've since been out doing some messages,filled up as well and no issues at all. Just been outside to test and the car is now facing downhill and starts fine.

For history,  fuel level was under 1/4 mark and the car had not moved for circa 7 days.

Internet is suggesting that gravity coupled with a lack of use caused this issue. The rescue mechanic sort of agrees with the internet and me.

So has anybody else experienced this and is my thinking correct?

Look forward to any replies.

lincroft1710

It is quite possible for a vehicle with little fuel, parked on a slope, to have the fuel settle in the part of the tank away from the fuel pipe to the engine.

Nobbie1967

It’s seems unlikely a car with 1/4 tank of fuel would experience fuel starvation because it was on a 10% slope. If they did it would make journeys in hilly areas rather chancy.

facade

I'd be looking for a fuel leak now it is facing downhill.

If there is a teenie weenie leak and air can get into the fuel line then the fuel can run back into the tank, worse when facing uphill. (they are supposed to self prime but you can usually flatten the battery trying)

If air can get in then fuel can weep out.

Is there a hand primer that you could have used to get it started? (these sometimes perish and weep)