Another MFI Cold Start Question
 

The cold start solenoid on my '73 clicks when I run power to it, but nothing else happens--it is not pumping ANY fuel out the spigot on the side of the solenoid. Any ideas about what might be causing this?

Clogged with particulates & rust???

What does output from electric pump into half-gallon clear jug look like, clear or rusty? Measure output in 30 seconds ... how much? It should be 900 ml - 1000 ml in 30 sec.

Jay,

Be VERY careful with gasoline. First disconnect the power to the CDI. Do this outside and away from your house and other cars. Have someone with a fire extinguisher standing by upwind.

Did you have the fuel pump on? Was there fuel pressure at the banjo nearest the rear of the car on the fuel filter console? Is there fuel pressure below the solenoid valve?

Unscrew the solenoid valve and see if the inlet is restricted. You can use aerosol carb cleaner on the valve. (Don’t turn on the fuel pump when the solenoid valve is off the filter console or you will have fuel everywhere.)

Test it off the car. You should be able to blow through it when activated. Be careful handling the solenoid valve when testing, a solenoid can generate a substantial voltage when you interrupt the current.

Is the ground wire from one of the big bolts attaching the filter console to the mounting bracket in good condition? Are the connections at the bolt and ground stud good?

Once you have it working, make sure it doesn’t leak or dribble when not activated. It should shut off the fuel flow abruptly when deactivated.

Best,
Grady

D'oh! I did not have the fuel pump on. I'm on my way to dinner now, but I will try it again later tonight or tomorrow with the fuel pump swtiched on. That could very well explain things.

That was it--user stupidity. I turned the fuel pump on and the solenoid pumps clean fuel. Thanks for your help.

Yes, the solenoid is a switch not a pump.