83 SC Engine cuts out under load, now won't start (well)

[berndtj]

Before I start ordering parts, wanted to run this by smarter folks.

Last night while driving around, when I was entering the freeway (briskly), as the engine it around 5500-6000 RPM, the engine started cutting out, as if hitting a rev limiter. I was able to cruise on the freeway OK, but I exited as soon as possible. When driving home on side streets, the engine continued to cut out when under any load (going up hill). The car was kind of "bucking" as it would cut out pretty much constantly.

As I pulled into my driveway, I started hearing a very loud buzz, that is usually not present. To me, it sounded as though it was coming from behind me, but I didn't have a chance to walk around the car to investigate (in hind sight, I wish I had).

This AM I jumped the fuel pump relay and could hear the fuel pump turn on, but it didn't sound too loud. However, when I tried to start it, it would crank, and then started to stumble to a start, but it most certainly did not "start right up". In the past it starts up nearly immediately. Though, it seems as though it's taken a few more cranks the past few days.

The car is an 83, and does have the Lamba system, however the previous owner installed a test pipe and there is no O2 sensor, so I don't think it comes into play.

I'm assuming that it's a fuel pump gone bad, but I think I'll check the system pressure first. Does this sound right?

Thanks in advance!

Berndt

[Showdown]

At the risk of sounding like a fool- you have gas in it right? I’ll admit to having a similar issue and going right to CIS panic until I remembered that my gas gauge is suggestive at best and indeed I was almost empty.

Otherwise, check the fuel pump delivery volume and that should give you a pretty easily attained data point from which you and investigate further.

[berndtj]

LOL, never hurts to ask . Yeah, it's got like 14 gallons in it.

[proporsche]

it is actually sounding like your fuel pump is on it`s way out....
best would if you have fuel press gauges.
How old is your fuel filter would not hurt to see what comes out of it..

Ivan

[berndtj]

I'm only seeing ~1bar of pressure, so I'm going to go ahead and order a new fuel pump. I'll also replace the filter. Based on PO service records the current filter is about 6 years old.

I'll update after I get the fuel pump installed.

[proporsche]

yah 6 years a little too old;-))))once you remove hold the bottom and put it a jar to see what was in it...
Ivan

[garment]

Bang on the cube relay under the passenger seat, it may be going (assuming you have CIS as on my ‘83). This fixed the issue I had (temporarily) which sounds like yours. I’d have a replacement on hand. Mine was the original with VW/Audi “Made in Western Germany” markings.

[berndtj]

Thanks, I replaced that relay a few weeks ago trying to fix rough cold running. That’s when I realized that I didn’t even have an O2 sensor anymore, so the lambda was probably effectively disabled.

I’ve got fuel pump and filter on order.


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[berndtj]

Just updating thread. Finally got a new fuel pump in. Looks like that was indeed the issue. Runs great again. FWIW I got the dansk fuel pump. Fingers crossed it lasts


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