Startup Problems (Fuel System Maybe?)

[KLatham]

Whenever I take my car on a medium-long drive (Around 20+ minutes) and turn it off, and then try and restart it, it won't start. After a few tries at turning over it starts making a 'whumping' sound... and won't start. But after I give it a few hours, it starts again.

I've just read alot of stuff about running it near empty and the problems that causes, do you think this could be the case for mine (I usually run it pretty low.) So i'm starting to think that its a problem with the fuel pump or fuel filter... maybe some junk from the bottom of the fuel tank has caused it?

Any thoughts?

Is they fuel pump and fuel filter worth replacing anyways?

Its a problem that annoys me because it means I drive my car less, and starting it again after i've turned it off is not a guarantee.

Any help is appreciated.

Cheers.

[fazz1977]

I'd do your fuel filter to start with, and really try not to run it below 1/4 of a tank.

Fuel pump could be an issue as it won't start when warm. Get your petrol flow checked by a mechanic or something.

Best of luck mate.

[harry3]

its claimed that the internal pump needs fuel around it to keep it cool and frequent running on near empty can damage it by letting it get too hot

both pumps are available, changing the internal one is a bit messy