Engine starts, but wont stay running.

[DavidProps]

Hi There,
I've just picked up an '80 spider.
The PO said it ran fine until he started it with the tail lights disconnected. Now it takes a few tries to get it started and it only runs for a few seconds, then dies.
I'm not sure if it is an electrical issue or a fuel delivery issue. Any thoughts?

It might be helpful to note that when the key is turned, the oil light does not come on.

David

[76was124]

Sounds like it firing up on the cold start injector, but is not getting any fuel from the normal injectors. What's the history on this car? Did it run alright recently. Or not since......what?

I would check to see if the grounds for the injectors are properly connected. There should be two wires grounded on a bolt on the intake manifold close to the firewall, driver side.

[DavidProps]

Thanks for the info.
I'll check it out.
I don't know the history on the car. I pick it up on Tuesday. I'll ask the PO then for the full story on the fault.
David

[So Cal Mark]

the fuel pump ground is at the left taillight

[narfire]

When the ignition is on, not to worry too much about the light at the moment, might be burned out.... (check oil level eh...)
Anyway access the AFM by taking the air cleaner off. Turn the ignition on and push the flap in the AFM. Have a helper put their ear to the fuel pump and have a listen. Should turn on. When cranking the flap opens and the pump should turn on.
OK pump is running, when was the last time the fuel filter was swapped out?
Disconnect the fuel line at the cold start injector at the front of the intake plenum. Crank and you should have fuel around 30+- psi there. (spray into a can). OK have fuel delivered, then are the injectors working? As mentioned there are two grounds for the injectors grounded out to the bolts holding down the top of the intake plenum.
Spark? pull plug lead and ground to the head.....
All the air hoses free of cracks and clamps snugged down? Might be un-metered air entering the intake after the AFM ?
Where are you purchasing the spider? Decent car show in N. Van on fathers day at the park next to the marine training center.
Chris

[spider2081]

Is this car Fuel injected or Carburetor??

[76was124]

the fuel pump ground is at the left taillight

Ditto what Mark said, check that the fuel pump ground wire is properly grounded. I moved mine to bear metal in the trunk vs the original location under ther long thumb screw on the driver's side tail light.

[DavidProps]

Thanks again for the advice.
I'm looking froward to getting it going.
I've had a '73 Spider for 10+ years, this is my first experience with fuel injection.
I'm getting the vehicle in New Westminster.
I've been to the Car Show in North Van many times. It's always a fine day out.
I'll let you know how it works out on Tuesday.
David

[DavidProps]

I tried all of the above, but what seemed to work was swapping out the AFM and spraying contact cleaner into all of the connectors.
There is still an issue with getting it to turn over. I suspect it is the ignition switch. If I hold the wires coming out of the switch in a certain way, I get nothing, another and it goes "click". Next chance I get I'll have a look at the starter connections...
My '73 just developed the same problem, first time in 10 years it hasn't fired right up. Alas.

Till next weekend...

David