71 Mercury Comet Fuel Problem

Discussion in 'Technical' started by Cigarsnob, Feb 21, 2014.

  1. Cigarsnob

    Cigarsnob Member

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    I'm wondering if anyone can help me out as I'm trying to narrow down my problem. Here's my issue:

    My fuel sending unit does not work (I need to fix that to), so I never know how much gas I have. As a result, I have ran out of gas a few times. I don't know if this is related, but now I can only travel on 4-5 gallons of gas before the car dies. I've had this issue for several months now. When I feel like the gas is low, I'll go to a gas station to refuel and every time, I can only put 4-5 gallons in before it starts overflowing. I'm not trying to top off the tank, the gas will just pour out.

    Does this sound like there's something wrong with a fuel pump? Fuel line? Fuel filter? I'm not that skilled in car repair, but I'm trying to learn and I would like to resolve this issue.

    Thanks for any help
     
  2. krelboyne

    krelboyne Remember

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    Might have a pin hole in your fuel sending unit pickup tube.
     
  3. bomrat

    bomrat Member

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    could be a clogged tank vent...
    does the comets/ mavericks have vented gas caps?
     
  4. Cigarsnob

    Cigarsnob Member

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    I have not changed the gas tank.
     
  5. Cigarsnob

    Cigarsnob Member

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    Good question, I'm not sure. I went outside and looked at the cap and all I saw was a cracked (from age) seal and the lock. Then again, I don't really know what I should be seeing. Googled "Vented gas caps" and got images in the link. My cap didn't look like those.

    https://www.google.com/search?q=vented+gas+cap&espv=210&es_sm=122&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ei=A_wHU8efFca7oQSRy4DgAQ&ved=0CAoQ_AUoAg&biw=1600&bih=763#facrc=_&imgdii=_&imgrc=aO8jds_Uehn_VM%253A%3Bk3Uf5U52jT1O2M%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Fwww.alfabb.com%252Fbb%252Fforums%252Fattachments%252Fgiulietta-giulia-1954-65%252F89047d1200177166-gas-cap-venting-1-10-08-13.jpg%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Fwww.alfabb.com%252Fbb%252Fforums%252Fgiulietta-giulia-1954-65%252F53423-gas-cap-venting.html%3B800%3B600
     
  6. Cigarsnob

    Cigarsnob Member

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    Just saw this youtbue link: .

    I'll give this a shot.
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Aug 3, 2014
  7. Mavman72

    Mavman72 Gone backwards but lookin' forward

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    Its not unusual for fuel to puke back at you in these particular cars when fueling em.
    Pump the gas slowly to fill it up,untill you can get a filler neck for a 75 or later mav They dont puke fuel, since they are meant for unleaded fuel only and have a different configuration. As for the fuel guage not working...Its common. May be the sending unit, guage, wireing issue (Usually a ground wire) or the IPVR AKA...Instrument panel voltage regulator has failed. hope this helps you out!! Good luck!!!
     
  8. 71gold

    71gold Frank Cooper Supporting Member

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    you say it dies...next time just loosen the gas cap and tighten it back down. if it runs after that...it's a stopped up vent issue...:bouncy:
    had this happen on one of my Harleys.
     
  9. Cigarsnob

    Cigarsnob Member

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    I'm sorry for such a late reply. I kind of gave up on working on my car until now and I plan on getting back into it this weekend. If it is a stopped up vent issue, what should I do to correct this? Replace a hose?

    Sorry for my ignorance in this. I don't know about fixing cars, but I'm trying to learn my working on my Comet.

    Thank you
     

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