Ok folks, I've got a bit of a problem and need to do something quick. I'm
broken down and parked at a gas station about 10 miles from home and have
been told I have to move the car tomorrow (Sunday). I'm hoping the wisdom
of the list can save me again.
Here's the scoop. Drove about 40 miles today and ended up at my parents.
No problems at all. On starting out after visiting with my folks for about
an hour I noticed a clicking type sound (I thought from the front end, but
couldn't really place it). Pulled over to check for something. Found
nothing, but the noise stopped when the car stopped.
Ok, figure I'll look at it closer in the garage and start driving home. On
the highway, I start to gradually lose power. 65mph, 60, 50, 40. Pull
over into the break down lane and hope to limp to the exit I can see with a
gas station right next to it. Car jumps back into power and away I go.
For about 10 yards when the power loss comes again.
I do limp off the highway (thank the gods) and pull into the station.
Fuel pump is going beserk. You know, the sound it makes when you start up
in the morning as it builds up pressure and then slows down once fuel is in
the carbs? It just keeps going at the fast pace...click, click, click,
click...
Check for leaks. No fuel leaks I can see. Check the clear inline fuel
filter. Doesn't seem to be getting gas there. Aha! No fuel, no go. It
was dark, I was late for a get together with new in-laws and I wasn't
thinking. Should have checked if the fuel filter was clogged. I couldn't
tell anything by looking at the fuel pump for the few dark minutes I had,
but I'm wondering:
1) fuel filter clogged?
2) other blockage in fuel line leading up to fuel filter?
3) fuel pump shot?
One other symptom. Thinking maybe vapor lock I undid the gas cap (just got
a new tank put in, non-vented for a '74?) and did get a whoosh of air from
vaccuum. This maybe anything to do with it?
So, I may have to find a fuel pump on a Sunday. Victoria British is right
next door to me, but counter sales closed on Sunday (orders taken). Parts
America? Looks like I'll be using my new AAA Plus membership to get it
towed home. I'm not working yet so should have time to look at it at least.
Any advice? Changing the fuel pump looks fairly easy if I have to do that.
Any tricks of the trade on that one.
Sorry for the long post, but I'm really in a bind on this one and I figure
the more info you have the better chance you'll have of diagnosing from afar.
Thanks so much for any words of advice.
Philip
1974 Damask Midget - Arioch, Lord of Chaos
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