Got stranded tonight

[96conv]

After about an hour of driving, I parked for 10 mins for some ice cream and my engine wouldn't turn over anymore. A few months ago, a similar thing occured and I attributed it to poor engine cooling, too much stop and go driving in 100 degree weather. But it's only 70 degrees tonight so that couldn't be it. Anyway, after about 45 minutes I decided to try again but this time I depressed the gas fully and backed off, then depressed again and she fired back up. What do you think - fuel pump?

[bigchillcar]

Doesn't sound like fuel pump. Next time you go to start the car, just turn it on until you hear the pump running to convince yourself that it sounds ok. My bet would be a faulty check valve. My '74 has a check valve in the pump itself, but I think a '79 has it in the accumulator. This would easily explain this symptom, as it fired up after the engine cooled enough for the cold start valve to start the engine up. If it were hot (>90 degrees on the block I think, approx.) and a weak check valve/accumulator, the engine would really struggle to start warm.
Ryan

[96conv]

Thanks for the advice Ryan. I think the accumulator is easy enough to replace so I'll put it on my to buy list off PP.

[UTKarmann_Ghia]

The photo below shows a connector which was disconnected when I pulled my engine. I was told that if this connector is disconnected, the fuel pump will run with key-on, which fixes hard-start problems. Next time this happens, pull this connector (bit tough to reach but doable) and then see if she fires up. Good luck!

[Kevin Stewart]

have you checked the cold start valve, Kevin

[Bones]

What sort of ice cream was it because that could definately influence matters, after that I'd replace the fuel acc' if it hasn't been changed recently and if you are doing that replace the fuel filter it lives to the left of the accumulator and they are both relatively cheap considering how important they are.