Suzuki: Suzuki SJ losing Power, vacuum hoses, vacuum leaks

Question
QUESTION: Hi
I own a suzuki SJ JX 1987. The car is losing power on long runs which requires that I stop the car before almost complete loss of power. The loss of power is often accompanied by a strong smell of petrol. The problem does not happen when the fuel tank is completely full but starts again when the fuel tank goes below half full.

New and replaced parts:
Coil
Leads
Cap
Rotor arm
Fuel Pump
Vacuum hoses
Fuel filter
Rad and Fan
Plugs

Please can you help me diagnose this problem?

Thanks

John




ANSWER: I had a similar problem on my Samurai.  It turned out to be old fuel hoses between the body and the pump.  Two years later old hoses on the top of the fuel tank caused similar symptoms.  They were permitting vacuum leaks, and reduced the capacity of the pump to raise fuel from tank to pump level.
scotty

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hi

Thanks for your help on this one. I've just tightened all hoses on the fuel line and I haven't had the problem reoccur but we will see what today brings. I'll replace the lines when I can today or tomorrow to eliminate that as an issue. There is another problem, that the car sometimes seems to rev high (2000 RPM)on tick over. This is only happening some of the time. Any thoughts?

Also do you know of somewhere where I could read about the carb on the car. Sadly the Haynes isn't that helpful.

Thanks

John

Answer
I suspect something like dirty linkage
It's a Mikuni in heritage, if not in fact, and has a "wax pill" type of choke actuation along with other modifications common to carburetors with duty cycle mixture control.  Try looking around on the web for info.  I learned this stuff in factory schools run by by various Asian  manufacturers over the years.  DON'T replace your carb with a Weber style.  They are terrible off road, and yours will idle better tilted so far to the side that you are certain it will tip over than the Weber at a very mild tilt angle.
scotty