D'oh! Car started, ran, then died

Aug 03, 2005 5 Replies
A

I haven't had the bug out on the road for about two months now. It's been sitting b/c I'm trying to sell it. So my brother calls me and says he's thinking about buying it. Well, this means I need to run a tune up, and drive it around to lubricate everything.



Anyway, after cleaning off the wheels, cleaning a mouse nest out of the engine bay (???!) and checking out everything in general, I started her.



She fired up on the first crank and ran smooth, no smoke or anything. I was letting her warm up for about 45 seconds at a fast idle, then I gently reved it a few times. On about the third gentle rev, suddenly the engine just completey died. I simply cannot get it to start again.


I have spark. The wires, coils and ignition is OK.



However, I can't seem to get any fuel at the carb. I took the aircleaner off and peered inside while pulling the throttle lever -- the usual accelerator pump spray is not there, just a sucking/gurgling sound.



No it's not out of gas! It's half full, and I even shoved a long stick down the filler tube to verify. I even poured an extra gallon on top of that.



I don't think the float is stuck or something, b/c why would it have run in the first place? I'm guessing the fuel line is clogged or the filter is clogged (>_


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S

The carb has enough fuel in the bowl to run for ~30 seconds or so.

The line could be clogged- try blowing thru it; you should be able to. The pump could be bad, or just dried out. I'd try the line first.

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B

If you can't blow it through, and it ís a dirty fuel line, take of the air cleaner, close the top of the carb with your hand and crank the engine. This way it will suck the fuel by all 4 cillinders and probably de-clogg your fuel line. If you are alone you can use a spraycan cap to close the carb.

Worked for me

Roger

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A

Hmmm...before I can do something like that with the fuel line I think I need to remove the in-line filter that I installed down under the car by he tranny. I HATE messing with that filter. Replacing/removing it is such a PITA! Or should I be able to blow through the filter? Actually, I haven't been able to get a good look at the filter yet, IT may be really clogged.

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S

Should be able to blow thru. Give a try. A bicycle pump works too. Forget what car this is, but there may be a mesh filter screen inside the fuel tank, where the fuel line exits on bottom.

Jim

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A

I pulled off the inlet and tried to blow. No dice. Tried to suck. No dice.

So I did as bug '59 suggested and removed the air cleaner, and blocked off the carb. I cranked the engine for a couple of seconds, and Lo and Behold! Fuel!

Anyway, I tied everything back up and she's fine now.

Thanks guys! I wish I didn't have to sell her =( If I don't, she'll sit out in the elements never being driven and rot away.

I'd rather someone drives her than nobody.

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