frank43

Hi All,

New member, and just bought a very original, stock 1984 TA with 305 HO, 5 Spd. Past owner was original owner but let the car sit/never really drove-just an occasional start.
When he showed me the car it started, and ran, but a bit rough even after fresh gas. I decided to tow the car home. Now, I cant start the car.

It will fire up for a couple seconds, but only if I use starting fluid spray. Doesnt look like I am getting fuel into the carb. I am new to these cars, so want to diagnosis the issue by tackling common issues one at a time.
What would you recommend?
Thanks in advance,
Frank

sofakingdom

iTrader: (1)

Make sure it has gas in it, by putting acoupla gallons in.

If it still doesn't get gas, check the fuel filter in the carb inlet; and while you have the line off, crank the motor and verify that fuel comes out of the line, into a can or something so it doesn't spew everywhere and start a fire.

frank43

Thanks SofaKing, I will start there and report back. Much appreciated!
Frank

scooter

iTrader: (11)

Putting in fuel is a good start. I bought a car that said 1/2 a tank and the PO said it ran when he bought it not long before that. I tried a bunch of stuff to get it to start but nothing.
I wound up stealing the tank from that car to put in another because I was fairly sure the inside was going to be nicer. Turns out that the tank was almost dry, had only a few ounces of fuel left in it and why I couldn't hear the pump running anymore.
Lesson learned, sometimes the fuel gauge is wrong.

frank43

Ok all, finally had a chance today (Sunday) to pick up a filter, fill the tank up (needed 8 gallons more to full) and start the process. I took out the old filter and also cranked the motor (as sofakingdom recommended) to see if fuel was coming out of the line, and this is what I found:
1. Dirty filter
2. New filter doesnt have a check valve?? Problem (old one seems to be perished)?
3. Fuel did indeed come out into my cup-and their is some dirt on debris and sediment in the fuel (smelled old as well)-see pick

I decided to move forward and install the new filter. Car started (but was having a hard time idle-ing). Only ran well when i pushed up the RPMs
I cut off the engine, and had another look. Fuel now is starting to drip out the side of the carb, in the valley by the # 4 cylinder. Also, a few drops out of the vacuum inlet. SEE PIC w YELLOW ARROWS

Not sure if the lack of a check valve put too much fuel in the carb, but it definetly had some in the bowl.

Decided to stop at this point to check in with you guys. Let me know your thoughts and best next steps...






Thanks in advance for your valuable advice!
Frank

frank43

Any thoughts here? All feedback is appreciated....
Thx
Frank

NoEmissions84TA

iTrader: (1)

If that carb has never been worked on, it's now 36 years old, and most likely needs new gaskets at the very least.
Be careful if you're running the engine with fuel drips. When they unexpectedly ignite, it's not fun.
The additives in today's fuel weren't designed to be compatible with your old carb.
Have it overhauled with new gaskets and seals that won't be attacked by today's gasoline.

frank43

Thanks NoEmissions for the advice. I think a rebuild is coming

Question on the lack of check valve in the new filter-what is the effect on the carb? I ordered a new filter with the check valve, so will see if that helps.
Also, their seemed to be sediment and some particles in the fuel. Smelled bad too (even though I added several gallons). Should I siphon out all the gas, and put all fresh fuel in with seafoam?

Thoughts?

NoEmissions84TA

iTrader: (1)

Siphon all the fuel you can out of the tank and use it in your lawnmower.
Lack of a check valve will not matter as far as engine running goes. It's just there so the fuel bowls don't empty.
Then the next start would require a lot of cranking to fill the bowls again to start the engine.
You might want to try to install one of those universal 3/8" fuel filters in the line going to the block-mounted mechanical fuel pump.
Although the see-thru filters are nice to be able to see inside, use metal instead for safety.

frank43

Thanks NoEmissions. Pulled the carb off and going to rebuild this weekend.

NoEmissions84TA

iTrader: (1)

Be very careful putting the airhorn (top) back on. The little plastic TPS stem is really easy to snap.