How often do you guys purge or use test button on alky?

3.8vsix

Member
Joined
May 25, 2001
Just wandering how often you guys have to purge your alky? I have to use the test button for a couple seconds or so before I nail it or it will knock like crazy. Even in the same day. Is this normal. Been like this since new. This happens even with new pumps I have installed though the years. Thanks for any thoughts!!
 
Don't sound normal to me....If you purge it do a hit then do another hit shortly after does it still need purged??
 
I have my pump under the trunk deck out back. On the first purge of the day, it takes a long while (8-12 seconds) before I get the tell-tale stumble.

After that, I'll purge every so often while driving, just to make sure it's there ready to go. I don't skimp on the purge button. Especially when I spend time in traffic! My combo can build a lot of underhood heat when I'm not cruising. I'm afraid this may cause the alky to boil out of the supply lines leading to the inlet pipe. So I am extra cautious.

Besides......I don't think it's a big deal to hit a button every now and then.
 
BTW, If I'm on the highway and do a few hits a few minutes apart, it doesn't need purging.
 
Yes it does.
If you can't do a few hits a few minutes apart, that doesn't seem right. Do you seem to be going through a lot of alky? Do you have to fill your tank often?

If you had a leak somewhere in your supply lines to your nozzle I guess it would be hard to tell.
 
Hit ours every day when I get in the car. Thats it. Where is your nozzle/nozzles located ??? Yours is def not normal !!
 
I hit mine almost every time I feel I'm going to get into the loud peddle. Habit really, but I don't hold it on for long.......... I just give a couple hits on the button to make sure the alky is right up at the nozzle.
 
Bet you have a leak. Get Julios test kit and make sure.
 
Good to have anyway to see how the pump is holding up. Don't want that nasty surprise!
 
Everytime I drive her, let her warm up. Hit the button until she stumbles a little, I'm good to go.
 
I'd be looking at the check valve in the alcohol feed line, in addition to any leaks. Engine vacuum could potentially pull the alcohol through the nozzle during normal operation, and if the check valve is not sealing, it could be draining some of the line. Have not tested this theory though. Check valve can be disassembled as needed.

Leaks are notoriously difficult to find with methanol because it evaporates so quickly. Consider emptying tank and running some washer fluid through to find a leak when system is under pressure. Remove nozzle from engine when doing so.
 
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