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Power cut after hard corner w/ low fuel

Posted: Fri Aug 12, 2016 8:07 pm
by jdm_wannabe
Hi all

Im fairly new and got the mx5 recently and have been driving it around and just recently ive noticed that after a hard corner, the engine doesnt rev at all, just drops back to idle while still in gear (only happend in 2nd and 3rd so far) and then after a few seconds, its back to normal. This only happens when the fuel is really low, so im wodering if its just because all the fuel is sloshing to the side and none of it is getting to the pump, therefore not allowing the engine to rev or is something else. After I filled it up, it seemed to stop cutting power. As a new owner, at first I thought I just bought a bad car and my heart went in my mouth, so I guess im just wondering if anyone else has experienced something like this and a possible fix apart from keeping the tank full (student here).

Thanks

Re: Power cut after hard corner w/ low fuel

Posted: Fri Aug 12, 2016 8:10 pm
by Code4
Yep, common problem. Keep tank over 1/2 full when 'pressing on'.

Re: Power cut after hard corner w/ low fuel

Posted: Fri Aug 12, 2016 8:11 pm
by Code4
Some people fit a surge tank and 2nd pump when racing. There are a few articles and posts about this on the interwebs.

Re: Power cut after hard corner w/ low fuel

Posted: Fri Aug 12, 2016 8:18 pm
by jdm_wannabe
Thanks heaps, so much peace of mind that it wasnt the cars fault. Surge tank and 2 pump you say, what would be the estimated cost and how long would be the labour you reckon, not that I will be doing it anytime soon but maybe in the future.

Re: Power cut after hard corner w/ low fuel

Posted: Fri Aug 12, 2016 8:30 pm
by Magpie
Maybe worth checking if the filter sick is on the right way, this can cause the problem. I can run my MX5 down to about 5ltrs on the track with no surge.

Re: Power cut after hard corner w/ low fuel

Posted: Fri Aug 12, 2016 9:26 pm
by bruce
How hard are you driving!? I'd be checking for a problem.

Re: Power cut after hard corner w/ low fuel

Posted: Fri Aug 12, 2016 9:34 pm
by greenMachine
Magpie wrote:Maybe worth checking if the filter sick is on the right way, this can cause the problem. I can run my MX5 down to about 5ltrs on the track with no surge.

What he said, only it's 'filter sock' :lol:

The problem is almost certainly in the tank, either the sock is clogged, holed, or was put in the wrong way when the pump was last replaced. It is a common problem. Fortunately getting at the pump is relatively easy, unless you have a roll bar fitted.

:mrgreen:

Re: Power cut after hard corner w/ low fuel

Posted: Fri Aug 12, 2016 10:57 pm
by jdm_wannabe
Thanks Magpie, ill be checking the filter sock soon, because it was around 5 ltrs and it was more like spirited driving the tyres werent near the limit of grip or anything. Bit strang but yeah ill check the filter sock. No roll bar. As I am getting the car serviced soon, I will also get the mechanic to look at it for a second opinion. Should I be too concerned about this? Thanks again :D

edit: So I just watched a video on replacing the fuel pump and the sock, and im just wondering how that can be put on incorrectly because it seems to me that there is only one way to put it on, nevertheless, I will still be checking.