1971 Starting Problems

[jschultz]

I have a 1971 fj40. I drive it maybe twice or three times a week. In the last two weeks it has had trouble starting (this is a new development--it has always started well before). I turn the key and it cranks, but won't start. Pressing or pumping the gas pedal doesn't help.

If I spray starting fluid in the carb, it starts right up. After that, I can drive it, turn it off, and then it will start right up again (without starting fluid). I can even let it sit for an hour, and it will start again (without starting fluid). But if it sits overnight, I have the same starting problem again the next day.

This seems to be a gas problem, since it starts with the starting fluid. I can't figure out what the problem is. Any thoughts?

 

[inkpot]

Howdy! Are you using the choke? If so, take of the air cleaner and see if it is working properly. John

 

[jschultz]

Good thought, but I checked the choke and it is working properly.

 

[inkpot]

Good thought, but I checked the choke and it is working properly.

OK. Second guess is that maybe it is doing what my Piggy does. The fuel drains back to the tank whenever I sit for a few hours. It is especially noticable in the evening, when it cools off. I think the tank is not vented properly, so the vacuum draws the fuel way back. I have to crank on it for 10-20 seconds solid to get fuel up to the carb. Then it runs great. Kind of embarassing cause people start staring at me. I'll get it fixed one of these days. The good news is that I have an Optima Blue in there, and it spins up my 350 like an old Dodge. Really fast. John