Low fuel and hard starting

[newfiejeff]

This is a question not for a Pontiac Montana in which I have but I don't get any answers from the Hyundai forums. I have an older Hyundai Excel that when the fuel is low the car is hard starting and idles rougher than normal. When I fill it up it starts right away and the idling is not as bad.
The car is fuel injected

Any thoughts?

Jeff

[1999montana]

Originally Posted by newfiejeff

... I have an older Hyundai Excel that when the fuel is low the car is hard starting and idles rougher than normal. When I fill it up it starts right away and the idling is not as bad....

Hi Jeff,

We have a small import '91 Isuzu in our 'fleet'.

Depending on the age, it may be a problem located inside the tank with the fuel pump. (A hose perhaps or a rusted fuel line.)

How about a dirty fuel filter?

Or it might just be that the pump is tired. (this would be my first assumption based on age)

It could also be a worn-out fuel line in the delivery system from the tank to the engine. Trace the lines and look for any wet spots outside the tank.

Believe it or not, the fuel cap can cause a vacuum in the tank if it doesn't vent properly. If the return line is partially blocked this could have a bearing too.

What year?

How many miles on it?

Give it an inspection and make your best guess. The after-market pumps are not too expensive, but the dealer one will be more.

If there is a PartSource store on the Island you could check with them.