I have a 76 L48 coupe that I have had for several years now. The fuel problem started this summer. Several times now the car will start fine run a few seconds and then cut out. Any further attempts to start simply result in the engine cranking but not starting. Spark is present but pumping the gas pedal while looking inside the carburetor shows no fuel dispersed. If I add some gas to the carburetor the car starts immediately, runs a few seconds, and cuts out.
This is a Rochester Q-jet carb. Since I'm the third or forth owner of the vehicle I don't know if it's the original.
Troubleshooting steps:
I removed the fuel line going into the fuel pump and got a strong, steady, clear flow of gas... thus eliminating possible blockage in the fuel tank.
I removed the gas line at the carb and there was gas present. I dried the gas up, cleaned the connection, and checked the fuel filter (which I replaced several months ago) it all looked good. Reconnected, attempted to start the car again - nothing, removed the fuel line again at the carb and fuel was present. The fuel pump was replaced new when I rebuilt the engine in the spring of 2003 and has maybe 3000 miles of usage.
At this point it appears that the problem is in the carb. Not being a great mechanic I was hoping to get someone with more experience to confirm my suspicions and possibly offer a solution.
Final note: The vehicle has always started eventually. The last time I simply pushed it several yards on a flat surface (living in West Virginia there aren't many of those around) to get it out of the way of traffic. I was getting ready to lock it up and call for help when I thought I'd try it one more time... and guess what - it started and ran fine all the way home.
It's very frustrating because it runs fine when it runs but I've lost a bit confidence in it... which distracts from the pleasure I get driving it.
Any insight would greatly appreciated, thanks.
Steve Boyd
This is a Rochester Q-jet carb. Since I'm the third or forth owner of the vehicle I don't know if it's the original.
Troubleshooting steps:
I removed the fuel line going into the fuel pump and got a strong, steady, clear flow of gas... thus eliminating possible blockage in the fuel tank.
I removed the gas line at the carb and there was gas present. I dried the gas up, cleaned the connection, and checked the fuel filter (which I replaced several months ago) it all looked good. Reconnected, attempted to start the car again - nothing, removed the fuel line again at the carb and fuel was present. The fuel pump was replaced new when I rebuilt the engine in the spring of 2003 and has maybe 3000 miles of usage.
At this point it appears that the problem is in the carb. Not being a great mechanic I was hoping to get someone with more experience to confirm my suspicions and possibly offer a solution.
Final note: The vehicle has always started eventually. The last time I simply pushed it several yards on a flat surface (living in West Virginia there aren't many of those around) to get it out of the way of traffic. I was getting ready to lock it up and call for help when I thought I'd try it one more time... and guess what - it started and ran fine all the way home.
It's very frustrating because it runs fine when it runs but I've lost a bit confidence in it... which distracts from the pleasure I get driving it.
Any insight would greatly appreciated, thanks.
Steve Boyd
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