air in fuel line

[highway star]

my Z wouldn't start the other day and i'm sure i've got air in the fuel line. can anyone advise how's best to get it out. i let the tank get very low over the winter. i've put some fuel in from a can and there is some fuel in the filter, but only about 10mm. does that sound right?, also the float chambers are dry. any suggestions?

 

[Rob Gaskin]

Your fuel filter could be blocked with fine rust particles. I've had that and I was sure there was an airlock in the filter. Bypass the filter and try it, or better still try another filter.

Are you sure the pump is working - I've had a problem with the standard pump (faulty valve) when it would run ok but not start after a long 'lay-off'. I resorted to 'Easy Start' on a couple of occasions before I tracked the fault down.

 

[morbias]

Also, if you are using the mechanical fuel pump on the head rather than an electric one near the tank it might be having difficulty drawing the fuel up. You could try pouring some fuel into the float bowls so you can run the engine. Hopefully it will run for long enough to prime the pump - it's better than trying to do it with continuous cranking.

 

[highway star]

Good points i'll try both of those suggestions

 

[jonbills]

Don't be distracted by the fuel filter not being full - it doesn't need to be.

 

[highway star]

I thought the filter would need to be full as the outlet pipe is located at the top

 

[Rob Gaskin]

I thought the filter would need to be full as the outlet pipe is located at the top

No and that confused me when I had a fuel starvation problem. As I have siad often on here the filters can block because of all the fine rust particles drawn from the tank. It may not be your problem but eliminate that first IMO.