we did a minor service on the car recently
new plugs
air filter
oil filter
oil

afterwards the car didn't sound right on idling, running a bit rough so we checked the plugs and leads were okay.

the roughness went away or was less noticeable when driving so i limped the car back to mine using loads of fuel

A later inspection revealed a split pipe from the back of the manifold to rear passenger area of the car near to an electric type box (vaccum sensor??) so the split part was removed and the pipe reconnected.

After that it seemed fine (if not bloody low on fuel!!) so went to asda (3 miles) and did some shopping. then in the car park after starting it again, it idled then died on me. restarted it and it bucked a bit, filled it with fuel and then it seemed fine.

On the way home though it would run fine and then sort of "splutter" every so ofetn and need a good rev to keep it going so I don't trust it on the motorway.

I haven't been out in it since last sunday now, but wondering if anyone had any ideas? I initially thought I'd sucked some crap out the bottom of the fuel tank as i haven't run it that low before, but some people have said the fuel filter would prevent that happening.

Where is the fuel filter?
Any suggestions would be great thanks,

did you keep the old plugs n leads? not unknown to get a dodgy new part.just considering it only started playing up after the service.

old plugs have gone 'fraid.

but today I threw some redex in the tank and used it constantly this afternoon it seems to be running normally again. I wonder whether the original overfuelling after the pipe split caused loads of crap to built up everywhere as (the exhaust was extremely sooty) and now its clearing up?

The fuel filter is under the middle of the car, its a bean can sized.. er.... can.

The overfueling would have wet the inside of the engine with fuel, so yup, could be the cause of your anguish.

Cheers

D