Fuel System - Icing Problems
85renault1 25E644FEBRUARY 1985
1985 EAGLE/JEEP and RENAULT MODELS
FUEL SYSTEM Attention: Workshop, Parts Department
FUEL SYSTEM ICING
This I.S. Note contains information for repairing fuel system icing during PDI operations on 1985 Eagle/Jeep/Renault models.
A no-start condition during cold weather on 1985 Eagle/Jeep/Renault models that are in stock or recently delivered, may be caused by fuel system icing and/or contamination. The condition may also be accompanied by the presence of a cream-like gel in the fuel tank and lines.
During initial fuel fill at the factory, an anti-fouling agent is added to the fuel tank. The purpose of this agent is to prevent spark plug fouling during transit when there are frequent cold starts and short run times.
The anti-fouling agent, if combined with water, will form a cream-like gel (resembling soap or hand cream) at the tank bottom. The gel itself presents no performance problem. But the fact that a gel has formed indicates that substantial quantities of water are present in the system. At below freezing temperatures, water within the gel can freeze causing fuel system blockage and the resultant no-start condition.
If the above icing condition occurs, the gel formation can be dissolved and the water dissipated by adding 99% pure commercial isopropyl alcohol to the fuel system as outfined in the following procedure.
NOTE: Consult your local yellow pages for sources of this product which is usually available from:
^ Laboratory equipment suppliers
^ General chemical suppliers
^ Solvent distributors
PROCEDURE
WARNING: Ninety-nine per cent (99%) pure commercial isopropyl alcohol can cause severe eye and skin irritation. It is also flammable having a flash point of 53~F. The following precautions must be observed when using this product:
^ Wear safety glasses and rubber gloves when handling.
^ Store the product in a tightly sealed container and away from heat spark or an open flame.
^ Avoid prolonged or repeated exposure and use the product in well ventilated areas only.
1. Move the vehicle indoors to warm and thaw the fuel system.
2. Add 32 fluid ounces of 99% pure commercial isopropyl alcohol to the fuel tank.
CAUTION: Do not use any product other than 99% pure commercial isopropyl alcohol to purge the fuel system. Do not use rubbing alcohol, dry gas, windshield washer fluid, or similar products under any circumstances.
3. Agitate the fuel tank contents for at least 30 seconds by rocking the rear of the vehicle; or, on models with an electric fuel pump, by turning the ignition on and off to allow the fuel pump to circulate the alcohol through the system for a least 30 seconds.
4. Allow the vehicle to stand for 1/2-hour.
5. Start and run the engine for a few minutes to circulate the alcohol throughout the fuel system and dissolve the gel water formation.
NOTE: The fuel tank should be filled with gasoline as soon as possible after eliminating the icing condition.
SRT Information
OPERATION DESCRIPTION NUMBER TIME TIC
CO. FUEL SYSTEM - PURGE 0102 0.2 *
*Models with fuel injection use 1-833 Models with carburator use 1-950
Filing Instructions
^ File this I.S. Note in the M.R. 171 binder.