79 242 fails to start now

nisan17 · Post by **nisan17** » 15 Mar 2008, 18:23

Below is a posting I did back in Jan 18th of this year. This is a follow up to that. This is what's happening now. Now that it's in the 30's and 40's I took a little time to work on it. I sprayed the throttle body with carb cleaner. It just fires for a split second and won't run. This happened numerous times. The fuel pump(s) can be heard to hum when the ignition is turned on. Maybe the plugs are fouled now!? Please, any other ideas? It's backfired a couple of times causing my rag below the throttle body to catch fire.

Thanks again,

Hi Group,

I guess the problem has come to a head. The last few months the car would start rough and idle rough when raining or wet outside. Now that's it's cold and freezing it starts and runs but won't stay idling and stalls at intersections, and if I take my foot off the gas.

The car was tuned up 1 1/2 yrs ago(wires, plugs, cap and rotor, etc.) I'm gonna try a new cap and rotor for starters. Any input would be appreciated. This is my lil bread maker!!!

Thanks in advance,

Kevin

Post by **billofdurham** » 16 Mar 2008, 13:20

Check and clean the plugs. Then make sure the ignition timing is correct as this is one cause of back firing.

Bill.

nisan17 · Post by **nisan17** » 30 Mar 2008, 19:18

Now I Just changed the plugs as they were severely fouled/ sooted/soaked. It really wants to start but won't. It starts for a second and then dies.

Fuel drips from the throttle body as I have the boot off. I sprayed carb cleaner in there weeks back and let it dry out.

I have a spare undercar fuel pump, should I throw that on there or is there a way to troubleshoot or a trouble shooting agenda to work from.

Does this car have a computer? How do I get to the tank fuel pump?

After reading some of the other posts, it seems like the fuel pressure builds, then theres just enough to fire that one time.

Remember the symptoms were rough running in wet weather. Then stalling at controlled intersections. To hard starting. To not stay running anymore.

I know the car is very simple and I'm overlooking the very simple resolution. More Ideas please?

Post by **jonesg** » 31 Mar 2008, 07:33

I would remove plugs, crank engine to get rid of excess fuel in cylinders if theres any to be sure.
Clean and gap plugs and re-install.

Spray ether in intake, install bellow hose and give it a whirl.
Trying to run it without intake hose connected is probably going to give false results or none at all due to massive air leak.

If no fire I'd check for ignition spark.

If it starts and runs the ether out then check the injectors and fuel pressure/pumps.
I check injectors with a cheapo multimeter ($10), you should get about 5v when cranking at the injector plugs, watch out for the little seal inside the plug.

Check fuel pressure regulator by pulling vac hose, if fuel drips out its shot.
Swap injector relay on coolant bottle, thats where mine is located.

Fuel pumps can be heard to prime up but still not deliver enough pressure to work at the injectors, assuming you have injection vs carb.

My fuel pump had pressure but couldn't run the car, got a new one from autozone for $65 with sock filter $10 and it runs like a top again.

But I went through all the above checks to track it down as I don't have a fuel pressure guage.

I think you'll find its one of these problems, also check the pump relay and fuse for bad solder joints or replace.

nisan17 · Post by **nisan17** » 31 Mar 2008, 11:26

Thanks a bunch.
I'll keep you posted.

Now I'll have to wait till the rain snow mixture stops. Weather can't make up it's mind!!

Post by **billofdurham** » 31 Mar 2008, 15:27

Just out of curiosity is it injection or a carb?

Bill.

nisan17 · Post by **nisan17** » 01 Apr 2008, 10:02

I believe it's injection. It has 4 little fittings sticking into the top of the head with fuel lines/hoses connected (I think) next to the manifold runners.

Under the manifold is that choke type flap. I had a manual, but somehow has been misplaced the last 3 years. I'll have to get another.

Thanks again,

nisan17 · Post by **nisan17** » 06 Apr 2008, 14:20

I put all the bellows back on and fired it right up. Runs like a champ. So, it was the massive air leak that prevented it from idling. And it probably was the fouled plugs that made it start hard.

Thanks all for your help.

Post by **jonesg** » 06 Apr 2008, 18:31

That would be classed as a massive intake side air leak. Doh!

Everything is so measured and metered on computer controlled cars, even a rip in the bellows will screw it up.

Post by **billofdurham** » 07 Apr 2008, 12:19

Kevin,

Thank you for the feedback. It will be helpful to others in the future.

Bill.