Another one that won't start

[jfrawley]

I was driving my '82 Spider and it was running great. Then all of a sudden it just coasted to a stop like it was out of gas. It didn't just shut off, but slowed down like the gas pedal was unhooked. The tank was fairly low anyway so I went and put more fuel in. No luck. Towed it home. The gas tank was in bad shape anyway so I replaced it, the fuel filter, and all the fuel lines in the back. Still no luck. Plenty of spark, but no start. Fuel pump? After the lines are empty do you have to prime it?

John

[So Cal Mark]

no need to prime it, but you need to verify the pump is running. Have you checked the air intake boot to make sure it's intact? If the air flow meter flap doesn't move the pump won't run. There is also an inline fuse under the dash for the fuel pump

[jfrawley]

Air intake boot is perfect. I'm pretty new at this so pardon the question. How do you test the air flow meter flap?

[So Cal Mark]

push it open by hand. If you crank the engine while holding the throttle open, you may be able to hear the flap opening and shutting from the air pulses. At minimum, you'll need a test light to do any troubleshooting of the FI system

[rlux4]

Have you checked the inline fuse for the FI? It's on a brown with white wire, up in the rat's nest of wires behind your fuse panel. Don't trust just checking that the fuse looks good, make sure power is going through the fuse holder to be sure.
What you're describing sure sounds like the fuse. Like Mark says, no power will go to the fuel pump and you also won't get injector pulse.
Ron

[pope]

It could be a blown dual relay or a blown fuse for the computer. Unfortunately, it is a slow methodical process to get the problem solved. The F.I. Spiders are not that hard to figure out.


Edit: Sorry Ron, you posted as I was typing. It looks like a carbon copy of your post.

[jfrawley]

Update: The fuse under the dash was blown, so I replaced it. Now it wants to fire when cranked but seems to be starving for fuel. It actually started and idled for about 15 seconds at one point. As soon as you step on the gas at all, it stops running, or trying to start, immediately. I suspect the fuel pump as the fuel filter was clogged and, of course, the filter comes after the pump. So........If the filter was clogged, that junk must be in the fuel pump also?

[rlux4]

The flow of fuel through the pump acts to cool and lubricate it. So, if your filter was clogged to the point of restricting fuel flow, it's possible that the pump was damaged. However, before you buy a new pump, check it first.
Replace your fuel filter, and then disconnect the hose going to the cold start valve. Point it towards a jar and have someone crank the engine. You should get a good, steady stream of gas flowing if the pump is working.
Ron

[RoadRacer]

After replacing my fuel filter on Saturday, my 82 would not start......... I took pump off, tested it and it worked, replaced it and it would not work.... So I cleaned the contacts and everything works fine now. Could be your contacts.

[jfrawley]

Thanks for all the info. Couldn't have done it without all the helpful advice. Turned out the fuel pump was completely seized. Installed a new one (Airtex from Auto Zone $94), and she's back among the living. Had it out on the road today and realized how much this little car grows on you. Of course, everyone reading this already knows that. Thanks again.