Autovac

JohnWilliams6437 · Posted: Sun May 31, 2020 4:18 pm Post subject: Autovac

If I have the misfortune to run onto reserve how long would I expect to press the starter to rotate the engine and suck some fuel through ?
Or should i take the tops off the carbs and fill from a spare can - seems a little extreme !
Assume the Autovac is in good condition. (I recommend the new owners)
JW

John Murch · Posted: Sun May 31, 2020 9:31 pm Post subject:

with my car, i have found in the past that just a few seconds, is enough to give a vacuum, wait a few seconds then another couple of revolutions and the fuel should be coming though.
However i find that you get a bit of warning, the odd cough from the engine, stop, switch over the tap and no churning should be necessary.

Nicholas Simons · Posted: Mon Jun 01, 2020 11:04 am Post subject:

When doing this make sure your throttle is fully closed. This will give best suction to the Autovac.

Malcolm Gordon · Posted: Mon Jun 01, 2020 6:44 pm Post subject:

One of my first jobs as a boy was to lean out the back of the 3 litre and lift up the reserve tap lever whenever it gave the first coughs of a lack of fuel when we went on family trips out.

I shudder to think what other road users must have thought!

My dad eventually fitted an electric pump with a quick shot switch whenever he needed to refill the autovac after running out and it filled up sufficiently to get going. It just needs a couple of seconds burst on the switch and away you go.

The autovac on the car also has a bit of an extension on it with a filler cap too which could be used to top it up if so desired.

JohnWilliams6437 · Posted: Fri Jun 05, 2020 6:53 pm Post subject: Autovac

Thanks gents for replies including acrobatic Gordons...
Appreciated.
JW