Fuel Pump Or Injectors?

[CBXRT]

Looking for some help guys hopefully

I only have my old BA with 170k - still goes really well though and sounds very meaty with my exhaust mods. Suddenly, it sounds like crap (half the note and 'thin'/weak sound), quite sluggish on acceleration (down approx 25%) with strange rpm fluctuations, and worst of all, strong fuel smell in the cabin after driving. (not rotten eggs, definite fuel smell like at a service station)

My injectors were cleaned 12 mths ago, but one place reckon they would need replacement with maybe valve springs to fix the problems, and $1200 thanks. I questioned it with another workshop as it sounded wrong/expensive, and a different place said there is no way it would be injectors, it is instead the fuel pump and pressure - sounded better.

Any ideas guys? Would either of the above failures cause all those symptoms as they have all happened at once?

Thanks very much for any advice on which one to go to - its a pretty routine/boring matter sorry, but I've wasted money before on my car when workshops get it wrong and perfectly OK parts are replaced for no reason.......very frustrating!

Edited 16/08/11 01:37 AM by CBXRT

[Adam]

2 more possibilities...

Blocked fuel filter.

Blocked or broken cat.

[Buf-Phoon]

I reckon collapsed / blocked cat or fuel filter as well

Cat IMO first as your getting fuel smell

[CBXRT]

Thanks guys, much appreciated.

I would think the mech should have picked up a blocked fuel filter (surely!), but I am taking it to the second place on Thursday as the injector prognosis simply doesn't sound right to me. I will also give them a heads up of the other potential issues as you guys have provided above.....

Thanks again

Edited 16/08/11 05:58 AM by CBXRT

[Ralph Wiggum]

+1 to previous comments. Dont suppose you know anybody that would have an infrared temp gun (know any body with RC Aircraft or Cars) if you can access one take the car for a run and then check the temp either side of the cat. A large disparity in temps would indicate a blocked cat.

[XtRmn8]

Fuel filter is $10. good idea to change them every second service so do it regardless.

If your cat section is stock BA (you mentioned exhaust mods), find yourself a BF factory cat and bolt that in. You will need the whole cat section from cast dump to the cat-back flange. You should be able to pick up a good used one for $50-$100.

[CBXRT]

Thanks again lads, have an update.

Idiot me didn't realise that when I had my mower in the back last weekend it spilt fuel EVERYWHERE in and under the carpet, so the smell was just that.....

The sluggish acceleration, refusal to accelerate hard, and exhaust note issue remains (now its only like a V6 commo - and like its blowing bubbles rather than "cracking" like it used to.... ) - the engine also drops from 2,000/2,500rpm to 1,000rpm in an absolute instant on back-off, like its an engine cut-out......

I changed the plugs, cleaned injectors and replaced all filters only 4 mths ago upon similar symptoms as the above (which worked but cost 1K), so I'm thinking it might simply be that again??? Must be something wrong if that's the case to foul plugs and get dirty injectors in that time????

Anyway, thanks again all, much appreciated.

ps: Luke, no I don't know anyone with that gun. You never cease to amaze with the gadgetery you are aware of - I have never even heard of 99% of the things you suggest!!! ha ha

Edited 17/08/11 08:03 AM by CBXRT

[Adam]

Idiot me didn't realise that when I had my mower in the back last weekend it spilt fuel EVERYWHERE in and under the carpet, so the smell was just that.....

The sluggish acceleration, refusal to accelerate hard, and exhaust note issue remains (now its only like a V6 commo - and like its blowing bubbles rather than "cracking" like it used to.... ) - the engine also drops from 2,000/2,500rpm to 1,000rpm in an absolute instant on back-off, like its an engine cut-out......

My money is still on the cat.

[straughsberry]

I had the same symptoms. The cat de-laminated and lodged itself (almost fully in-tact) in the rear muffler.

[Ralph Wiggum]

Thanks again lads, have an update.

Idiot me didn't realise that when I had my mower in the back last weekend it spilt fuel EVERYWHERE in and under the carpet, so the smell was just that.....

Hope you dont smoke!