I'm thrilled to share an update on my beloved Citroën 2CV, a car that has kept me on my toes with its unique challenges. You see, I've been driving this classic with a rather unconventional setup: a five-gallon fuel can nestled in the passenger footwell, acting as my temporary fuel tank. Yes, you read that right! It was a makeshift solution, and let's just say it wasn't exactly a smooth ride. Many of you, my dear readers, expressed concern, and quite rightly so. Some even likened it to a potential disaster waiting to happen, a rolling fire hazard. But I'm here to tell you that I've taken a giant leap forward in my 2CV journey, and it's all thanks to a little help from a very talented friend.
The Voltage Conundrum
Before we delve into the fuel tank triumph, let's address the elephant in the room: my voltage overload. You might recall my mention of a faulty alternator connection last week. Well, it was more than just a bad connection. That alternator was pumping out a whopping 17 volts, a far cry from the expected 13-15 volts. It was like trying to tame a wild electrical beast! The voltage regulator seemed like the logical place to start troubleshooting. I mean, who wouldn't want to pry open a unit that looks like it's straight out of a Frankenstein experiment? Inside, it was a mess, but with a bit of elbow grease and some clever thinking, I managed to get it under control. Now, I'm cruising at a respectable 12.5-13 volts. Phew!
The Fuel Tank Revelation
Now, onto the main event: the fuel tank saga. When I acquired this beauty from Stephen Walter Gossin, the plastic tank was already in place, but it seemed like no one had given much thought to actually getting fuel out of it. It was a baffling situation. The car was lifted (and I mean, it was feather-light on that lift!), and there it was, a big ravioli-like tank peeking out. I was pleasantly surprised to find minimal rust, a rare sight indeed. Even the underside had a hint of paint or anti-corrosion treatment, a nice surprise.
However, there was a rust hole under the driver's side floor, a reminder that this car isn't immune to the ravages of time. But the real issue was with the fuel tank itself. The person who fixed my carb seemed to have overlooked a crucial detail. The fuel gauge sender and pickup were gunked up, and it seemed like a leak was the culprit. We cleaned it up, but the problem persisted. It was a real head-scratcher.
We tried bypassing the fuel line, thinking there might be a clog, but that didn't work either. It was then that we noticed something peculiar: a clumsy weld job on the fuel sender/pickup. It looked like someone had tried a DIY repair, and it failed miserably. A small hole in that weld was letting air in and preventing fuel from flowing. Enter my savior, Andy, with his welding prowess. He fixed that little hole with the precision of a master craftsman, and voilà! My 2CV was running like a dream, with fuel from its proper tank, not from inside the car. I felt like a millionaire, and the best part? I can now convince people to ride with me without fear!
This update is a testament to the power of community and the expertise of those around us. It's a reminder that sometimes, the simplest solutions are right in front of us, and a little help can go a long way. Stay tuned for more adventures with my trusty 2CV!
