no fuel to the plugs

First disconnect the fuel supply line (coming from the tank) to the filter bowl just before the carbs, but after the fuel filter. Either hold it over a coffee can or connect some tubing to route it to a can. Turn on the ignition. You should have a good flow of clean fuel to the carbs. If not, then there is a fuel pump problem or the filter is clogged and needs changing. On the Series One, there is a little filter sock at the end of the pick-up tube that goes down in the gas tank. Check it to see if it's clogged as well. If there is any sign of debris, then you need to have your gas tank thoroughly cleaned out. You CAN remove the sump at the bottom of your tank and clean it out, but this will be just a band-aide. (Make sure your tank is empty before you do this!).

If you do get good pressure after the filter (in the engine), then check the float bowls for debris at the bottom. This could be a sure sign that your carb jets are plugged up, or more likely, the float shut-off valve is stuck in the closed position. You can lightly tap on the fuel reservoirs to try to get the valve pin to unseat, thereby producing a flow of gas to the carbs. When you pump the pedal, do you smell any gas at all, as if flooded? You really should be able to "wet" the plugs with gas. So assuming you are getting no gas at all to the carbs, then it may be time for a carb rebuild. This in not a difficult task; just takes a little time. Make sure you have a rebuild kit before you start, and, replace the float bowl valves with Grosse Jets. It would be unusual for both carbs to develop the same problem at the same time. Maybe you got a slug of water in the gas somewhere? Anyway, do some tests to find out where the gas is being halted.

Good Luck, and let us know what you find.

Patrick McLoad
1966 E-Type, Right-hand Drive Roadster

#1E1445

Obviously, changing rotor, points, condenser & coil wouldn't effect fuel flow. Start with the obvious -- is the fuel pump working? That's easy enough to check: Do you hear it clicking when you turn the key on. If no, check the fuse and electrical connections. Disconnect the fuel line near the filter and see if you have fuel flowing when you turn the key on. If no, then you need to look at the pump. The points or diaphram may be shot. How about the fuel filter? When was the last time you changed it? It's also possible for the pickup tube in the tank to become clogged with debris. Be VERY careful about opening the tank to check. Doesn't hurt to look into the tank while you are at it and see what kind of mess you have in there.

Assuming you have gas pumping at the filter under the bonnet, then look to the carbs. There are filters in the carbs that can become blocked. The valves may be sticking, or the diaphrams may be shot and pistons not lifting.

The fuel delivery system is pretty straight forward. Start with the most obvious and easiest to check, and go from there. Let us know what you find.

Steve Weinstein, JTC-NJ
'70 XKE FHC
'69 XKE OTS