empty fuel tank, engine runs bad afterwards

[autoenting]

Hello,I am from the Netherlands, we have got a PT Cruiser 2003 2.4 gasoline in our shop. A customar has driven the fuel tank empty, refueled it and now the engine runs very poor. We changed sparkplugs, cables, measured fuel pressure (56 psi), cleaned the fuel pump in the fuel tank and it is still running as if it is running on three cilinders. Any suggestions? We will be very thankfull.

[crusierdad76]

well first is to NEVER run it that low---it is hard on the pump, which is cooled buy the gas, and there is always some small particals of dirt that live in a tank

but that is just me. Id say you got dirt in the injectors. and I have no clue as to how to get them cleaned ,Id say to start with some sea foam and maybe some Lucas fuel additive try running a tank through it or I guess see how hard it is to do a injector flusing or what ever it is called

[CREWZIN]

Injector flush/cleaning is under pressure and made to blow out those tiny particles that can clog the tip.

[quicksilverdon]

Sure points to clogged fuel injectors. If there are a lot of miles on the car, it might warrant getting new injectors.

[soonercruiser]

Any chance that the fuel pump itself was partially damaged by running empty so much?

[crusierdad76]

I know if I drooped the tank to work on the fuel pump Id sure put in a new one that cant be a fun job

[CREWZIN]

Actually, it doesn't look too bad according to Haynes. A couple connections, a couple straps, the right tools and the pump is right on top.

[crusierdad76]

Curz you do still have to drop the tank dont ya????? sure looks like a big pump the one in my Chevy truck is a little bitty thing

[CREWZIN]

On the early cruisers there was a recall that fixed the rubber gasket around the fuel pump. They had to sort of drop the tank part way to get the pump out. I watched the mechanic do it and it took all of about 45 minutes. The tank was dropped on one end towards the rear (still attached to the other end) and supported with a small portable hoist. There was enough room to pull the pump and put another dounut gasket around the pump.

The recall was to stop fuel from leaking out the tank around the fuel pump in case of a roll over.

[BLUEH20]

Great roll over picture. Look at the driver's cage--looks to be great shape--

I love my heavy, little red brick for reasons just like this.