Possible fuel filter separation -advice needed

AndyJ180 · 13th June 2016, 09:55

My ZTT180 shuddered to a halt recently. The revs started misbehaving and then it stalled. No amount of cranking would get it started again. 40 mins later the AA turned up and of course it fired up straight away - no problem. I was only a few hundred yards from home and had no further problems getting it back home and it has started fine since (though I have not taken it on a longer drive).

The AA chap was stumped, but my garage (inconveniently located about 50 miles away) reckon it is probably FFS. I should add at this stage it has done 100 miles since a hgf repair. I've had a go at getting to the filter assembly to check and I have the rear seat up, but before I go any further I've a couple of questions:

1. On reading around it seems to me that FFS stops the engine firing at all. Given mine will work (if necessary after a rest), can that be the cause?

2. I've not gone in to check because, whilst reading around the subject, it seems the advice is not to go any further if the tank is more than half full. Mine is 3/4 full. Any guidance?

3. I couldn't have gone any further in any case as I can't see how to remove the filter assembly. Again, can someone suggest how it is acutally released?

Thanks in advance! I should add - I'm a complete novice at this.

T-Cut · 13th June 2016, 10:45

It doesn't sound like typical FFS, which doesn't come and go. Once the filter case has loosened enough to reduce fuel pessure, the engine won't start again. You need to be sure whether your filter is the later type before opening up the tank for further investigation.

With the rear seat out of the way, remove the circular hatch on the nearside floor. This will reveal the top of the filter module. Check whether the white plastic top has two loops or not. If the loops are present it's the earlier filter that doesn't suffer from FFS.

There's a photo of the earlier filter in Posts 5 and 6 here: http://www.the75andztclub.co.uk/foru...d.php?t=110917

This thread shows the later FFS type filter and how to fit the orange clip: http://www.the75andztclub.co.uk/foru...d.php?t=158626

TC

AndyJ180 · 13th June 2016, 11:08

I should have said - it's the later type.

I still can't see how to remove the dark grey ring that holds the assembly in place. The photo doesn't show its removal.

Probably something very simple, but beyond me.

T-Cut · 13th June 2016, 11:15

Quote:

Originally Posted by AndyJ180

I still can't see how to remove the dark grey ring that holds the assembly in place.

How To:http://www.the75andztclub.co.uk/foru...ead.php?t=9108

The simplest way is to tap it round using a big screwdriver and a hammer.

TC

AndyJ180 · 13th June 2016, 11:32

And any thoughts on the petrol level?

kwak636r · 13th June 2016, 12:02

I'm having similar problems on mine, doesnt sound like the pump is picking up, I have heard about fuel level being a factor but not sure about this, going to get some Jerry cans and top her up.
Also not getting a preasure at fuel rail, but if you take the feed pipe off its backed up

Greeners · 13th June 2016, 12:35

Fuel level applies to diesel when the in tank pump starts failing

SD1too · 13th June 2016, 13:18

Quote:

Originally Posted by AndyJ180

My ZTT180 shuddered to a halt recently. The revs started misbehaving and then it stalled. No amount of cranking would get it started again. 40 mins later the AA turned up and of course it fired up straight away ..

Andy, don't rush into anything. From your account, you might have a failing camshaft or crankshaft position sensor or fuel pump relay.

Simon

T-Cut · 13th June 2016, 13:56

Quote:

Originally Posted by AndyJ180

And any thoughts on the petrol level?

If you decide to open the tank, the fuel can get everywhere so the danger is obvious. If you can get the car going again, I'd suggest running the level down to minimal before embarking on FFS fixing. But as I said, I don't think it's FFS anyway.

TC

AndyJ180 · 30th June 2016, 14:49

Quick update - fuel filter hadn't separated and on inspection the seals were all in good condition. The fuel in the assembly and filter were utterly filthy. Cleaned out and replaced filter as a precaution.

Had a proper rev up of the engine after and am detecting a misfire. Engine also running rough.

Is there one thing that might cause this together with my original stall problem? Am going to check the spark plugs at the weekend, so may then have more to go on.

13th June 2016, 09:55	#1
AndyJ180 Regular poster MGZT-T Join Date: Feb 2016 Location: SE London Posts: 34 Thanks: 1 Thanked 4 Times in 1 Post	Possible fuel filter separation -advice needed My ZTT180 shuddered to a halt recently. The revs started misbehaving and then it stalled. No amount of cranking would get it started again. 40 mins later the AA turned up and of course it fired up straight away - no problem. I was only a few hundred yards from home and had no further problems getting it back home and it has started fine since (though I have not taken it on a longer drive). The AA chap was stumped, but my garage (inconveniently located about 50 miles away) reckon it is probably FFS. I should add at this stage it has done 100 miles since a hgf repair. I've had a go at getting to the filter assembly to check and I have the rear seat up, but before I go any further I've a couple of questions: 1. On reading around it seems to me that FFS stops the engine firing at all. Given mine will work (if necessary after a rest), can that be the cause? 2. I've not gone in to check because, whilst reading around the subject, it seems the advice is not to go any further if the tank is more than half full. Mine is 3/4 full. Any guidance? 3. I couldn't have gone any further in any case as I can't see how to remove the filter assembly. Again, can someone suggest how it is acutally released? Thanks in advance! I should add - I'm a complete novice at this.

13th June 2016, 12:35	#7
Greeners Moderator MG-ZTT Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Ware, Herts Posts: 19,798 Thanks: 161 Thanked 1,249 Times in 1,036 Posts	Fuel level applies to diesel when the in tank pump starts failing __________________ *David* Impecunity is the mother of ingenuity Useful how to's for common problems Car Of The Month Jan 2014 [SatNav Power Down] [Coolant Level] [SatNav Repair] [Diesel Non Starting] [Paint Codes] [Rear Light Seals] [Reversing Light Switch] [Bleeding Brakes][Sunroof Drain] [Early ZT's][Instrument Pack Diagnostics][ATC Diagnostics]

13th June 2016, 10:45	#2
T-Cut This is my second home Rover75 and Mreg Corsa. Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Sumweer onat mote o'dust (Sagin) Posts: 21,752 Thanks: 341 Thanked 3,660 Times in 2,924 Posts	It doesn't sound like typical FFS, which doesn't come and go. Once the filter case has loosened enough to reduce fuel pessure, the engine won't start again. You need to be sure whether your filter is the later type before opening up the tank for further investigation. With the rear seat out of the way, remove the circular hatch on the nearside floor. This will reveal the top of the filter module. Check whether the white plastic top has two loops or not. If the loops are present it's the earlier filter that doesn't suffer from FFS. There's a photo of the earlier filter in Posts 5 and 6 here: http://www.the75andztclub.co.uk/foru...d.php?t=110917 This thread shows the later FFS type filter and how to fit the orange clip: http://www.the75andztclub.co.uk/foru...d.php?t=158626 TC

13th June 2016, 11:08	#3
AndyJ180 Regular poster MGZT-T Join Date: Feb 2016 Location: SE London Posts: 34 Thanks: 1 Thanked 4 Times in 1 Post	I should have said - it's the later type. I still can't see how to remove the dark grey ring that holds the assembly in place. The photo doesn't show its removal. Probably something very simple, but beyond me.

13th June 2016, 11:32	#5
AndyJ180 Regular poster MGZT-T Join Date: Feb 2016 Location: SE London Posts: 34 Thanks: 1 Thanked 4 Times in 1 Post	And any thoughts on the petrol level?

13th June 2016, 12:02	#6
kwak636r Regular poster MG ZT T 190 lpg Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: fareham Posts: 49 Thanks: 1 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post	I'm having similar problems on mine, doesnt sound like the pump is picking up, I have heard about fuel level being a factor but not sure about this, going to get some Jerry cans and top her up. Also not getting a preasure at fuel rail, but if you take the feed pipe off its backed up

30th June 2016, 14:49	#10
AndyJ180 Regular poster MGZT-T Join Date: Feb 2016 Location: SE London Posts: 34 Thanks: 1 Thanked 4 Times in 1 Post	Quick update - fuel filter hadn't separated and on inspection the seals were all in good condition. The fuel in the assembly and filter were utterly filthy. Cleaned out and replaced filter as a precaution. Had a proper rev up of the engine after and am detecting a misfire. Engine also running rough. Is there one thing that might cause this together with my original stall problem? Am going to check the spark plugs at the weekend, so may then have more to go on.