Could fueling problem be caused by elictrical fault ?

[V8 BJC]

I currently have a fuelling problem - using far too much compared to what I have been used to. My ignition light was also coming on ad hoc but now seems to be staying on permanently.

I read the below earlier regarding spark plug conditions. Could this be the source of my problem?




Basically, soft, sooty carbon deposits, have a dry, black appearance. If only one or two plugs in a set are fouled, it is a good practice to check for sticking valves, a cracked distributor cap, or bad secondary ignition wires. Fouling of the entire set might result from an incorrect heat range spark plug or an over-rich air/fuel mixture caused by a clogged air cleaner filter element, a sticking heat riser valve, or a faulty choke. Fuel injectors that malfunction can also lead to this condition.
Other causes include weak ignition system voltage or an inoperative pre-heating system (carburetor intake air) or poor cylinder compression.

[Keith S]

Brian,
The ignition warning light is in fact a charging light. Comes on with ignition to show that the alternator is not charging because the engine is not yet turning it.
Start engine, put headlights and heater blower on, do the lights get brighter/blower run faster if you rev up.
If not you need to chesk out the connections to the alternator/battery and in particular the earth straps from engine to chassis/ battery to chassis.
If those are Ok get a decent auto electrician to check alternator output if you can't do it yourself, he will tell you if the alternator is duff.
I had the same problem and the solution was a recon alternator.
If the battery is not charged correctly this may upset the ECU assuming you have fuel injection and cause it to run in "limp home" mode, thus high fuel consumption.
If you have a carb setup I can't see that the two problems are connected.
Hope this is of use,
Keith

[Robin427]

Perhaps your fuelling problem is caused by the fact that you have a BFO engine and drive it pedal to the, um, fibreglass...

[V8 BJC]

Originally Posted by Robin427

Perhaps your fuelling problem is caused by the fact that you have a BFO engine and drive it pedal to the, um, fibreglass...

Who, me, never - cant you keep up then

[V8 BJC]

Originally Posted by Keith S

Brian,
The ignition warning light is in fact a charging light. Comes on with ignition to show that the alternator is not charging because the engine is not yet turning it.
Start engine, put headlights and heater blower on, do the lights get brighter/blower run faster if you rev up.
If not you need to chesk out the connections to the alternator/battery and in particular the earth straps from engine to chassis/ battery to chassis.
If those are Ok get a decent auto electrician to check alternator output if you can't do it yourself, he will tell you if the alternator is duff.
I had the same problem and the solution was a recon alternator.
If the battery is not charged correctly this may upset the ECU assuming you have fuel injection and cause it to run in "limp home" mode, thus high fuel consumption.
If you have a carb setup I can't see that the two problems are connected.
Hope this is of use,
Keith

Thanks Keith - lights do get brighter the more I rev. Light has been on now for approx 3 months but no issues with battery power. It is a carb so will deal with the light when I get the fuelling sussed.

[Robin427]

Could it be that the alternator is taking more power to turn for some reason which is draining the power from the engine? Just throwing some ideas in the ring...

[Purple AK]

Unless Brians supplying the power for half of Crawley, his alternator isn't big enough to make that much difference to his consumption

[wilf]

They have electricity in Creepy Crawley?

Amazing. I thought it was all gas.

[V8 BJC]

Originally Posted by wilf leek

They have electricity in Creepy Crawley?

Amazing. I thought it was all gas.

They did think about running the town on petrol but they can't............

I am using it all

[dave]

Brian.
Pull the wires off the alternator and give the contacts a clean and re try. If this does not improve the situation don't go to LeMans without a spare alternator!!!!