The Classic Machinery Network

That looks fun....

I'm guessing that a stuck, or sticky, metering valve could explain the sudden stutter, loss of power and cutting out, as well as (once fully stuck) why I can't bleed that second chamber

Trying to think of a suitable spray lube to squirt in there that doesn't contain any silicone, ptfe or Teflon...maybe brake cleaner and engine oil...

Trying to avoid striping the pump down even the slightest bit as I have had my P38 off the road since November with a leaking Bosch VE injector pump which is now off tge car sitting in a chafing dish awaiting a tear down, so I don't want second injector pump in pieces

If a tap doesn't free it off the only way is to lift the top cover enough to flick it back round by hand. You can do it without removing the pump but it is the only way you will free it. If the gasket doesn't tear it only takes a few minutes

Was more thinking of longer term and stopping it from sticking again.

I'm now wondering if there's some gunk in the pump, or if it's just rather worn and this is going to become a regular occurance until a full on rebuild is necessary

Maybe a can of diesel treatment that has a lubricant in it added to a tank of fuel?

Well the good news was that with a bit of tapping from a 5/8" spanner on the steel bracket that secures the throttle cable to the pump and I could bleed it properly and get the engine running...for about 5 minutes...when it cut out again.

It was at that point that I decided to take a closer look at the fuel supply before the mechanical pump

I tried draining the fuel out of the chassis leg mounted sediment drop out trap. It was reluctant to drain through the tap screw, even with it removed, so I decided to attempt to take the tank to trap line off and plug it. And in doing that I think I found the problem...no need to rush the plugging of the hose, not a drop of fuel came out!

So, chances are the tank is all sludged up just like the sediment trap was when I removed it. I expect a lot like I found in my P38 Range Rover tank a load of red diesel dye and algal growth. Now doing battle with siphoning the fuel out of the tank so I can get the access hatch off on the side of the tank above the fuel feed take off. Probably will need to invest in some fuel additives to stop the diesel sludging when parked up after this

Done a tank clean a few weeks ago. Definately made the machine run better. Keep the fuel tank close to full and there will be no gather up of condensation and gunge in the tank. Also get a good funnel with a gauze which lets the fuel through but stops any water that might be in the fuel.

can you take the fitter out without taking back off ?

fitter in pump

You're now in the wrong thread Gary. You've asked in this one...

https://www.classicmachinery.net/forum/ ... 9&start=10