I know you've probably tried this.
I presume that the petrol pump has stopped working.
The pump will be electric.
Turn on ignition but don't try to start engine
Give the area next to the pump, as near as you can get, a good thump with a hammer.
Hopefully you will hear a ticking noise (No it's not a bomb)
If you dont repeat thump.
If you do hear ticking noise, start engine.
Usually it will keep on running untilyou have to stop it again and repeat process.
Beg steal or borrow the Haynes Manual and look up the recommended way of getting to the fuel pump - I can't believe that cutting metal is the best way, even for a british leyland design!
Right to try and post some semblance of an understandable reply to all your(much appreciated) suggestions......
Firstly I too disown myself from the various pink bits that adourn tatties car, and secondly, to you in particular Essexlady(ain't she cute) IT IS NOT IN FECKING BRUM AND I AM NOT A FECKIN BRUMMIE !!!!!!!!
glad thats cleared up so on to the problems.....
1) The only jack I have access to is off my 4x4( which has a tad more ground clearance than tatty's metro). It simply will not fit under her car to raise it so i can get under and drop the tank, and as any of you that know me will vouch, i sure as shit am too fat to get under it without a jack.
2)As Mr discrete so rightly pointed out, cutting away metal is not the recommended way to get access, there is a panel, but it is that solidly locked in ( not a 4 screw type affair) that even with a hammer and screw driver all I am going to achive is cutting through the metal not removing the panelIt has been soaked, resoaked and soaked again in wd40, but to no avail.
The only way I can see do gett o the pump is to get the car high enough to be able to drop the tank ( and have room to draw it out) and I haven't got facility to do that, or to cut a new panel and weld a plate(which I wouldn't even attempt cause I don't do welding) lol... does that clear it up for ya ?
I have a pair of ramps about 18in high, if they will be any help to you you are welcome to borrow them!!
Luke
You could cut the access hole with a grinder, then pop rivet a larger piece of tin over the hole. I wouldn't fancy welding it back in so close to the fuel tank even with a mig in case underseal or something catches light underneath. Gas would be definite nono there.
you have prob checked this but here goes any way ........have you checked the fuse???
try cold chisel and hammer DO NOT USE HEAT as risk of explosion is too great.
i have ramps and axle stands plus two trolly jacks but earlyst i could get to sort car would be on tuesday
pete
Sorry but FFS dont ever use an angle grinder or any welder even on an empty fuel tank as just the fumes will be enough to finish the car and not do any poor sod within range much good either If there is an access plate for better to cut that out if needbe then replace it with a bit of plate with self tapping screws and a sealant
Sleazy
think i can help you mate. would the following items be useful
1. 2 ton low drop trolley jack with 2ft lift
2. pair of 12" ramps
3. pair or 18" axlestands
4. angle grinder
5. turbo mig & gas
6. i live local and can drop em off friday and collect em sunday (as im passing tipton both days)
are you sure it's an electric pump, A series engines usually have a mech pump at the back of the block to the left of the exhaust (looking from the front).
anyway PM me if you want anything, sorry i can't help but i'm filming all weekend
My turn, morning all.
Sleazy, when I was looking for a towing pintle I did notice that there was a jack under the spare wheel.
Have a super day ;)
best thing to do is to get a professional mechanic to fix it rather than having a go at it yourself via someone's bright idea that may or may not fix your problem .
easy really
: 
and I had to climb out the window, and sit on the roof :D 
