Dead 40 and a very unskilled mechanic

[nc_fjizzle]

Need help from those of you who actually know what the hell you're doing. I was driving the 40 around NCSU yesterday, and while I was parked on a hill it kind of puttered out and died. When I tried to restart it the engine would crank but nothing would happen. When I turn the key to accessory, the fuel pump isn't making any noise like it normally does, which leads me to think that is the problem. Any other ideas? Comments/suggestions on who in Raleigh could handle this problem (for cheap!) would be greatly appreciated.

 

[LukeZero]

Electric fuel pump? Not making noise? Check for 12V at the pump. I had a failed relay that wasn't passing voltage to the pump. Took a while to track down. Relay is much less expensive than the pump. I hope that's what you find.

 

[S4Cruiser]

Electric fuel pump? Not making noise? Check for 12V at the pump. I had a failed relay that wasn't passing voltage to the pump. Took a while to track down. Relay is much less expensive than the pump. I hope that's what you find.

Good advice.

Also might want to check the distributor wires making sure they are connected snug. Maybe the wire going to the distributor came off or is loose .

Once you get it figured out and back running, I'd think about switching to an OEM mechanical pump so you don't have this issue in the future.

Hope that helps.

Keep us posted.

 

[pawwright]

I am thinking of doing that to mine - I don't know why the PO switched to an electric fuel pump - seems like the whole system was destroyed and then cobbled together.... all previous cruisers I had always have had the mechanical fuel pump.........

 

[mtweller]

Most people who switch to electric fuel pumps do so because of cost. A OEM stock replacement isn't cheap, but I just pulled my original pump from my '78 when converting to 'pane and it was still working flawlessly after 32 years and 110K miles. That's the route I'd go if you find the pump is bad! Sounds fuel related if it sputtered and then died. Check to see if you have gas in the carb - window should be about 1/2 full IIRC.

R

 

[Mtbcoach]

I'm agreeing that the first place to start is for voltage at the pump. If nothing there, I'd "jump" 12v to it, it should come on. If it works, then the fun starts chasing the electrical issue why it's not getting the appropriate volts when needed.

I'm converting to an electric pump with the 2F-E project. So, I'll have a mechanical pump around also. Frankly, I don't think I'd change to a mechanical. There is a reason most modern engines use them...

 

[mtweller]

I'm converting to an electric pump with the 2F-E project. So, I'll have a mechanical pump around also. Frankly, I don't think I'd change to a mechanical. There is a reason most modern engines use them...

Yeah - fuel injection.

If you are running a carb, there is no need for electric. One more thing to draw current if you ever lose your alternator.

R

 

[lt1fire]

Hmm yes and no. Most of the old muscle cars my friends and I used to own in high school got converted to a electric pump. Just better fuel flow and performance.

On an old FJ you might want to keep it simple.

 

[nc_fjizzle]

40 is up and running again. Three taps of a hammer to the fuel pump and she lives again.

 

[NCcruiser1970]

The BFH does it again...

 

[lt1fire]

I've got a few of those. As well as a Viking war hammer for the really nasty jobs.