I've seen a similar problem frequently on older cars, particularly if
they have ever been in storage for any period of time. Condensation inside
the fuel tank causes rust, which slowly flakes off. These flakes can
eventually clog the pickup screen inside the tank. As the pump draws fuel
out, the flakes gravitate to the last little hole, clogging it and stopping
the car dead in its tracks. After sitting a few minutes or few hours, a few
bits of rust will fall away from the screen, and the car will restart.
This problem seems to be more common on later fuel injected cars such as
75-78 280Z's, due to the higher flowing fuel pumps, but I've seen it on
several others, including Roadsters and 510's.
Try draining a few ounces of fuel from the drain plug on the underside
of your fuel tank, using a clear bottle or jar to collect the gas. Look at
the fuel. If you see any particulate matter, especially if it looks like
rust, then you should remove the tank and have it "boiled out" at a
competent radiator repair shop. Also, you might try removing your fuel
filter - cut it open and look for rust particles.
Rob Robinson
CSP 67 2000
Roanoke, Va
> I need help. Here is the situation:
>
> My 1600 starts & idles fine. I can drive it about one mile with no
> problems...matter of fact it runs great. Then at about the one mile mark
> (sometimes less, sometimes more) it sputters, then dies. I can not
restart
> unless I let it sit about 30 minutes. Once it re-starts it runs great,
but
> again it will die after driving it a short distance. I can replicate this
> problem in the garage if I let it idle for a long time.
>
> I think that for some reason the car is not getting the gas it
needs...fuel
> starvation. Here is what I have done to the car recently:
>
> New Carbs - adjusted & balanced
> New manifold
> New fuel line (both rubber & metal)
> New fuel pump
> Gas tank removed & professionally cleaned
> Car is tuned properly - new plugs, wires, etc
> New distributer
>
> This one is really perplexing...any ideas out there?
>
> Semper Fi
>
> Mike Goldman
> Bloomington, IN
>
>
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