How to restart a '57 fuelie that has run out of gas?

[Rick G.]

I was at a car auction in Palm Springs today and a nice '57 fuelie that had been run to empty could not be restarted. Is there a trick to getting a fuelie reatarted after running it out of gas?

[Mike M.]

Re: How to restart a '57 fuelie that has run out of gas?

add gas, pressurize the gas tank with the tank to fuel pump rubber hose just cracked. stop pressurization of tank once gas flows from rubber hose/main fuel line fitting. tighten fitting and crank engine till fuel resivior in fuel meter fills and it should fire up. if you simply add gas and get to cranking on the starter hoping to draw gas from tank to fuel pump, you may drain battery or burn up the starter motor.mike

[Rick G.]

Re: How to restart a '57 fuelie that has run out of gas?

These guys kept cranking and cranking and cranking the starter with no success. Even starter fluid wouldn't help.

Someone who seemed hot know fuelies suggested opening up a fuel line until fuel began to flow. No one listened......I knew there had to be a secret!

Thanks.

[James G.]

Re: How to restart a '57 fuelie that has run out of gas?

I was at a car auction in Palm Springs today and a nice '57 fuelie that had been run to empty could not be restarted. Is there a trick to getting a fuelie reatarted after running it out of gas?

Rick I did not make the show due to weather. I talked to the owner, but it was to late by then......all the experts had burned up everything, and turned every screw.

Was it a nice car? I got the vin number and that it was two tops, power soft top. 125 was the reserve, but no sale at 80 being PUSHED across the lane. PHIL HILL- GLENN VAUGHN restoration. Same owner since 1997. Is it worth the drive to see tomorrow?

[Randy G.]

Re: How to restart a '57 fuelie that has run out of gas?

My 1957 fuelie ran out of gas a few weeks ago while running it in the shop (won't get into that story). After putting 5 gallons in the tank I used an empty Torco Assembly Lube squirt bottle with gas in it to restart the car. I would never use starting fluid.

I removed the air cleaner, turned on the key, spun the starter, squirted a fine stream of fuel into the intake side of the unit where the filter attaches, and within 3-4 seconds it was running. I had to run it off the squirt bottle for about 10 seconds before the fuel pump finally supplied the injection unit. Once the injection unit got fuel it ran on it's own.

PS. Have a fire extinguisher handy.

[Jim L.]

Re: How to restart a '57 fuelie that has run out of gas?

These guys kept cranking and cranking and cranking the starter with no success. Even starter fluid wouldn't help.

There is your clue. This sounds more like an electrical problem than a fuel problem.

However, re-starting a fuelie, assuming the tank really was empty, is a pretty drama-free event: After adding fuel to the tank, turn the key to start and wait a little longer than normal for the engine to catch.

I have done this many times (often to my embarrassment).

Jim

[Stuart F.]

Re: How to restart a '57 fuelie that has run out of gas?

Is there something unique about 57's in this regard? I had a 58 fuelie engine in my 50 Chevy coupe back in the day and ran it out of gas a number of times, and it restarted just like any carbureted engine - with a number of cranks of course.

When you are out doing donuts and figure eights in the snow at full throttle, the gas goes real quick. Also, I had a 6 volt gas gauge that I would just switch on and off with 12 volts to take a level reading. Sometimes I forgot to check.

I agree, there had to be another problem with the 57.

Stu Fox

[Bruce B.]

Re: How to restart a '57 fuelie that has run out of gas?

After breaking the engine on my early 57 I later went to start it and finally figured out that I had run out of gas. DUH...
I put 5 gallons in the tank, cranked it for a short period of time and drove to the gas station.
No problem.

[Matt L.]

Re: How to restart a '57 fuelie that has run out of gas?

i just have to say..those are some beautiful pics of those engines! i always admired these fuel injection engines but since i now own one i have gravitated to loving them. i cant wait till the roads melt here so i can drive mine for the 1st time.

[Bruce B.]

Re: How to restart a '57 fuelie that has run out of gas?

Matt,
My 57 has been sitting since November and I can't wait to drive it.
Here in So. Ohio the roads have been washed clean but are still wet.
As soon as they dry I will be driving.
Last year it started with very little cranking.
I assume it will be the same this year.
Bruce B

[Jim L.]

Re: How to restart a '57 fuelie that has run out of gas?

Is there something unique about 57's in this regard?

Yes. '57 FI units initiate fuel flow during cranking via an electric solenoid that mechanically opens a valve at the bottom of the fuel meter.

In contrast, '58 through early '64 units initiate starting fuel flow by a mechanism based on manifold vacuum.

So, if the OP's car can't get power to that electric solenoid when the key is turned to "START", the engine won't start when cold.

Jim

[Matt L.]

Re: How to restart a '57 fuelie that has run out of gas?

bruce,
i havent even driven mine at all with the new engine in it. it is pretty much buttoned up with a couple more misc pieces till done. so i am real ancy to drive it. i live north of dayton. so i feel your pain on this ohio weather. wet roads here too with all the melting snow today. it did feel warm enough to drive today!

[John D.]

Re: How to restart a '57 fuelie that has run out of gas?

Randy gave some good advise. Now let me tell you my tip on starting a 57 to 65 FI car that has issues such as running out of gas and sitting for a month or so.
Fresh gas in a new or spotless used oil can.
Remove a plenum plug-typically 1/4" pipe plug and squirt gas into the plenum. Say 3 or 4 squirts. Put the plug back in finger tight and then reach in the windo and turn the key. Should start right up.
As far as looking into the fuel bowl to see if you got gas into it-well you could but that's not easy. Dr. Mike or someone said to crack the fuel line where it goes into the fuel meter cover inlet fitting and then hit the starter to see if gas is coming out of the line. Good idea too
When someone cranks and cranks all they do is foul the plugs. Now if you see someone pumping the crap out of the accelerator pedal then you know they don't have a clue. Read the owners manuals.
Here is one for you.
Once you are starting a fuel car that accelerator pedal is an "air" pedal. Now after the car starts that it's a "gas" pedal. Think about that one. Learned that long time ago from Gail Parsons.
By the way. 57's and 64-65 are the easiest starting fuel cars because they have a starting solenoid. Those models can even start and run a short period of time with a broken drive cable or no cable at all. JD

[Bruce B.]

Re: How to restart a '57 fuelie that has run out of gas?

John, great information, it sounds like you have done this before..

Matt, with todays weather I was tempted to start the 57 but common sense kicked in and I let it stay asleep in the garage.

If you need any help when you get ready to start your car , give me a call at 513 420-0006.
Bruce B

[Matt L.]

Re: How to restart a '57 fuelie that has run out of gas?

thanks bruce. but it has been started and cam broke in on test stand. it's been put through several heat cycles also to make sure no leaks. now that it is sitting in the car i can see the finish line and its driving me crazy not being able to drive it yet. so hopefully this week if all the misc pieces get delivered and returned from chrome plater i'll be driving by the weekend.