Viich

iTrader: (1)

I've been having some trouble with my '82. Sorry for the long post, but I'd rather give too much info than have many people ask for more.

I had been getting some 'skipping' and loss of power. Felt like there was no combustion.

I initially thought that the problem was electrical, checked the distributor, found it to be pretty beat up and replaced it. Wasn't the problem though. My initial diagnosis may have been coloured by the fact that I'm an electrical engineer. After that, I said to myself, hey, maybe it's just flooded... and went through the unflooding procedure described in the FAQ.

After looking at the carb (with the air cleaner cover off, obviously), I discovered that there was no fuel being delivered at all (probably the reason I'd had troubles initially.
(Skip to yesterday... I got really busy and had no time to play with my 7)
I then replaced the fuel filter (the one on there looked to be original, and hey, it's only $5). No dice. I then took the cover off the fuel pump, took the outlet hose off, and sucked the **** out of it. Got a little flow, replaced it the hose, sucked at the hose at the carb, blew on what I assumed was the return line, and got it to start. Ran no problem. I ran it long enough to warm up and it seemed like it was running smoother than it ever had. Then I shut it off, got back under it and replaced the cover for the fuel pump. I started it up to show my wife (a bit of an enthusiast herself, although she doesn't like working on them, or cars that don't work when she turns the key) and no problems. I ran it for a while then too.

Later we were heading out and wanted to take the 7, and it wouldn't start. Again, no fuel, and no time to play with it.

Today, I had been going to take a better look at the fuel pump, when I figured... hey, lets try to start it first, gave the fuel line at the carb a quick suck, blew on the return again, and BANG... started right up... went out for a drive and it was mostly fine, but quit on me a couple times, same procedure started it back up to get it home.

I have very little experience with the 7, just bought it this summer.

Any help would be much appreciated!

t_g_farrell

iTrader: (1)

Maybe you have stuff in the tank that sometimes blocks the fuel pickup and your oral machinations seem to work at temporarily relieving the problem.

Next time you don't seem to get gas at the carb, pull the hose off of the output of the pump and run it into a bucket and turn the key to see if the pump is getting fuel out of the tank. If not then pull the hose from the input and see if it syphons out on you. It should, if it doesn't then you may have problem picking up fuel from the tank. Then I'd bounce the back end around and see if you hear crap sloshing around in the tank other than fuel, you may have some rust flakes or other debris in the tank thats getting you. You could alway drop the tank and take look see inside.

Does the new filter show any sludge or crap in it ?

Viich

iTrader: (1)

Nothing in the filter.... but I'm only getting some spray out of the pump, it feels like I should be getting more out of it.... Could this be just voltage drop from old wires?

Kentetsu

You might try running a can of Seafoam through it when you're low on gas. I usually mix one can with 1/8 tank of gas for best results. This may not fix your issue, but it might work out for you too. Either way, it will do your engine good (removes carbon and frees up apex seals).

Viich

iTrader: (1)

Now, I checked the voltage to the pump, and it was 13.6, fuel flow was a little better (as in, I got some to come out of the tube at the carb), but I still couldn't get it to stay running.

As I eliminate possible causes here (and there's loads of fuel pre pump), I think I'm down to the fuel pump.

The only other thing I can think of is... I was giving my landlord a boost, and he hooked up his cables wrong. Could that have fried the ECU and made the carb act funny?

cdrad51

You're totally right IMO, replace the fuel pump. I'd say upgrade, not just replace. Do a search for the most used/recommended for your application. Good luck.

Edit: btw, great posts with lots of substantial data. Makes it so easy to help diagnose.

Viich

iTrader: (1)

Here's an option. I'm not sure if it's an upgrade or not. I know the 2-3 psi thing, but I think there should be a drop in pressure from the rise.... any previous experience?

Solid State Cube Type universal fuel pump

Kentetsu

What are your plans for the car? If you intend to do anything in the way of upgrading for more horsepower, autocross, or anything of that nature then you might be better off seeking an upgrade rather than a replacement. Otherwise, you can get really cheap pumps at Advance Auto and Autozone that will do the job.

cdrad51

Some data to consider on the subject of fuel delivery for 12A carbed applications:

http://www.yawpower.com/fueldel.html

Viich

iTrader: (1)

I don't really intend to do much, at least not right away. And the one I posted up there is less than $40 CAD at NAPA.

trochoid

iTrader: (6)

The 1/8" npt fittings are smaller than the stock fuel lines, I would have to say no on that pump. Pony up for a stock one, or go for an aftermarket one that has 3/8" fittings.

Aviator 902S

Check the coupler in the wiring harness located under the drivers' side storage bin behind the seat. It supplies electrical power to all electronics at the rear of the car--- including the electric fuel pump. If this coupler gets wet during inclement weather (due to water seeping in via rust holes in the rear wheel well) you'll have intermittent problems with fuel flow.

rolfs_7

i think thats the best post done by a new person ive ever read!

Viich

iTrader: (1)

Thanks, do I get a 'new member of the week' award?

Anyway, I ended up getting the Facet pump (can't go wrong for $39).

Flow test was a big yes, and it runs great.

Now, the idle seems to have gotten a bit lower through all my farting around when it wouldn't start, and it stalled out on me twice while idling, but ran great as long as the revs were over 1000.
More tinkering!