Alfa Pages

James Granger · Alfa 33 Joined: 10 Apr 2003 Posts: 302

Hi,

I often encounter a fuel-supply problem when cornering hard.

The other day I was on my way home from Eindhoven (Netherlands) and was getting into lane to change motorways. In my rear view mirror was a 155, in front a new 3-Series Coupe and we were all approaching this 270 degree dual-lane bend - fast! I thought OK should be interesting, after all we had the bend practically to ourselves (with the exception of a dark blue Mitsubishi Colt). I got half-way round the bend with impressive results. The 3 Series, though trying quite hard, obviously had its Stability Control on and quite frankly got in my way. The 155 was a decent distance behind. These drivers were quite honestly giving it their best shot - it was not my imagination!

Three quarters round the bend and my engine started to cough and splutter - no fuel supply. The red light came on even though I had just under half a tank. I retired into the slow lane, the car rapidly loosing speed. The 155 hurtled past, the BMW was soon nowhere to be seen.

I was with my two brothers at the time. All we could do was laugh at the matter, what else could we do? Our car has got so much character, right down to it's wonky fuel-guage come G-Force meter - I love it.

We stopped at the nearest fuel station, well just to be safe (?) - one of my brothers is quite paranoid. In fact he made me take a motorway exit to get to the nearest fuel station. Well worth it though, despite solshing shell on my Paul & Shark loafers, as there were some decent Shell promo girls who admired the car and bemused occupants!

But seriously, does the 33 tank have baffles to stop this 'centripetal fuel slop' occurance, i.e. have mine rusted away???

Regards

James Granger

tvatavuk · Posted: Sat Apr 12, 2003 12:14 pm Post subject: Re: Fuel guage as G-Force meter?

James Granger · Alfa 33 Joined: 10 Apr 2003 Posts: 302

James Granger · Alfa 33 Joined: 10 Apr 2003 Posts: 302

It's worth mentioning that the red light also comes on when I brake and sometimes even when I lift off, although the fuel flow never seems to be affected by this pitching movement.

Is the erratic fuel guage a standard feature with the 33?

My fuel tank is the worst part on my car. It is in fact the only crummy part and is certainly rusty. It does not leak, but when I park the car after a decent drive and inhale the air around the rear left wheelarch there is a definite rich petrolly aroma - beautiful. Very Happy

But is it time I replaced the tank?

My paranoid brother thinks so.

James

tvatavuk · Posted: Sat Apr 12, 2003 4:53 pm Post subject: Re: Slosh

James Granger · Alfa 33 Joined: 10 Apr 2003 Posts: 302

Tino,

You are absolutely right about the colour, orange-yellow. It's odd that I noticed the light, but not the colour. I guess I'm used to the saying "it's on the red."

I'll check my specialist's verdict when I get my cam belts changed in two weeks.

Your car sounds pretty nice by the way. I took a friend's rally-engined Lancia Delta Integrale for an enthusiastic drive a couple of months ago. It's amazing how fast it can corner, not to mention how it sounds. The transaxle noise alone is beautiful!

Regards

James

tvatavuk · Posted: Sat Apr 12, 2003 6:46 pm Post subject: Re: You're right