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qv refusing to start

Discussion in '308/328' started by John J., Aug 10, 2008.

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  1. John J.

    John J. Karting

    Sep 4, 2007
    86
    South West England
    #1 John J., Aug 10, 2008
    I got back from a long drive a couple of weeks ago and noticed just before putting the car away that the fuel guage was showing very near empty although I don't think the warning light was on. Anyway, tried to start the car last weekend but although it turned over very strongly it just wouldn't fire. Never had a problem before so thinking it was likely fuel I topped up the tank from a 5 litre can.

    Unfortunately it still won't start. If it was a lack of fuel originally would the fuel pump get itself up and running or would it need to be primed? If so how would I go about this? Should the fuel pump be audible with the key in position 2 before starting, can't remember now if I used to hear it?

    Thanks for any pointers.
     
  2. GeoMetry

    GeoMetry Formula Junior

    Apr 14, 2008
    471
    Virginia
    Full Name:
    Richard
    #2 GeoMetry, Aug 10, 2008
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
    The fuel pump should not be running with the key in the run position (position II ?) unless the engine is running. You can simply disconnect the safety switch to alter that behavior. Just grasp the connector and pull it off there is no tricky hidden release mechanism on the connector to worry about. Then turn to ignition to the run position and verify you hear the pump running. Then reconnect the safety switch.

    Unless you have replaced your fuse blocks you probably should look at your fuse blocks first as the fuel pump fuse is generally where the fuse blocks fail.
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  3. 308 milano

    308 milano F1 Veteran

    Jan 15, 2007
    5,327
    Montana
    Full Name:
    Kim
    #3 308 milano, Aug 10, 2008
    + 1 with geometry! I have an 84 QV and had starting issues,and like I've posted a few times here, get rid of the oem fuse blocks and get a set from birdman (around $120.00 + 1 hour to install) very easy to do. The problem is the connections on the back of the blocks and not apparent until you remove them. Skys will clear, waters will part, ferrari will start!
     
  4. John J.

    John J. Karting

    Sep 4, 2007
    86
    South West England
    #4 John J., Aug 10, 2008
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
    Thanks guys, looks like it is probably the fuse.

    I disconnected the safety switch on the fuel pump to test and still no activity. Then checked the fuse to see that the plastic on the cover directly behind it showed signs of heat damage, just touching the fuse caused it to fall apart! Not had a chance to get a replacement fuse yet but I'd be surprised if this wasn't the cause of my woes. Incidently are these fuses easy to get from any auto place? Never seen anything quite like it!

    The other fuses don't look much better, looks like a birdman fuse block is definitely the way to go.

    Cheers.
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  5. PAP 348

    PAP 348 Ten Time F1 World Champ
    Lifetime Rossa Owner

    Dec 10, 2005
    100,220
    Mount Isa, Australia
    Full Name:
    Pap
    #5 PAP 348, Aug 10, 2008
    Those fuses are available at most autopart outlets mate. :):)

    I reckon that melted fuse would be the source of the trouble. ;);)
     
  6. John J.

    John J. Karting

    Sep 4, 2007
    86
    South West England
    #6 John J., Aug 10, 2008
    Of course I probably ought to think about what caused the fuse to go in the first place... unless it was just extreme old age!
     
  7. Andrew Bolton

    Andrew Bolton Karting

    Aug 20, 2004
    155
    Spring, Texas
    Full Name:
    Andrew Bolton
    #7 Andrew Bolton, Aug 10, 2008
    ++1
    I had the same issue as you and yes, it was the fuseblocks. Birdman saved me from insanity. No trouble since replacing the fuseblocks.

    Andrew
     
  8. GeoMetry

    GeoMetry Formula Junior

    Apr 14, 2008
    471
    Virginia
    Full Name:
    Richard
    #8 GeoMetry, Aug 10, 2008
    Last edited: Aug 10, 2008
    Most likely there is nothing else wrong other than the fuse blocks and the fuse. It is the fuse block it self that causes the problem. It has high or infinite resistance. Take the fuse out and check for continuity from the place where the fuse snaps in to the spade connector. It looks like a single piece of bent metal and it makes you wonder how it could possibly NOT conduct electricity. It is in fact not a single piece of metal.

    There are usually spare fuses in the tool kit that came with the car.

     
  9. chrmer3

    chrmer3 Formula 3

    May 19, 2006
    1,719
    USSA
    Full Name:
    Chris
    #9 chrmer3, Aug 10, 2008
    Oxidation - builds resistance- increases heat - melts.
     
  10. GeoMetry

    GeoMetry Formula Junior

    Apr 14, 2008
    471
    Virginia
    Full Name:
    Richard
    #10 GeoMetry, Aug 10, 2008
    You should place your order with Birdman sooner rather than later. He is a busy fellow FChatter, not an auto parts company it can take well over a week to get Fuse blocks. I think that he makes them to order.
     
  11. John J.

    John J. Karting

    Sep 4, 2007
    86
    South West England
    #11 John J., Aug 12, 2008
    Just to confirm, I replaced the fuse and it started within a second of turning the key. Thanks guys.
     
  12. John J.

    John J. Karting

    Sep 4, 2007
    86
    South West England
    #12 John J., Aug 12, 2008
    Just remembered, I was speaking to a friend about it who thought the fuse blowing may have been caused by a clogged fuel filter putting too much load on the pump? Anybody think this is likely, is replacing the filter fairly easy?
     
  13. FLVICE

    FLVICE Formula Junior
    Silver Subscribed

    Jun 28, 2006
    922
    Ft. Lauderdale
    Full Name:
    Edward
    #13 FLVICE, Aug 12, 2008


    +++1

    Same issue with my 308..... changed my fusebox and never looked back...no issues!
     
  14. PAP 348

    PAP 348 Ten Time F1 World Champ
    Lifetime Rossa Owner

    Dec 10, 2005
    100,220
    Mount Isa, Australia
    Full Name:
    Pap
    #14 PAP 348, Aug 12, 2008
    Excellent!! Great to hear John J. :):)



    Never happen mate. :):)

    That melted fuse looked around 30 years old. The new one you have in there will probably be good for another 30 years. :p:p

    Enjoy!!
     
  15. jacques

    jacques Formula Junior

    May 23, 2006
    877
    Los Angeles/Florida
    #15 jacques, Aug 14, 2008
    Does anyone here have an idea as to where to get some new fuse and relay labels..Thanks once again for all the valuable info sharing on this great forum... You're still saving my (400i) bacon..Jacques
     

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