1981 C3 Fuel percolation

[RugbyChris]

Hi All,
So just had a major service with all electrics replaced, collected the car and it ran like a dream, hit a bit of traffic which slowed down and then the engine seemed to stutter, not want to pick up (no misfire) until it finally cut out, unfortunately this was in the left bore of the Dartford tunnel…..

As I commenced to sweat profusely, I tried starting it, after a couple of minutes / tries it fired back into life and ran like a dream again and I bolted out of the tunnel, with clear traffic all the way home there was no recurrence

The garage suggests fuel percolation may be to blame, they have a C3 owner who works for them, and to try an Octane booster first to see if that helps

Has anyone had similar issues, if so, is an electric fuel pump the way forward?

Thanks in advance for any suggestions or help

 

[Roscobbc]

Ethanol content in today's petrol can have a adverse effect on the diaphragm of mechanical fuel pumps (as well as rubber fuel lines and carb components) - presuming your '81 isn't a Cross Fire engine. I had this with my car - an embarrasing engine cut-out half way up Kop Hill climb and a 'recovery' after 15 seconds or so and later full throttle blasts with the engine cutting after being effectively starved of fuel meant a new fuel pump......which (for me anyway) fixed the problem.

 

[Oneball]

I’m not convinced it’s necessarily percolation. I’d look at the coil too. Leave it running on the drive on a warmer day and see if it cuts out. If it does it’ll pretty easy to diagnose if there’s no spark or no fuel.