Randomly dead 81 sc
 

I wish I had more info.

I was driving down the highway, and the engine cut out.

I have gas, and it turns over and tries to start, but wont stay running.

What are my first things to check before I bring it to the shop??

thanks

Hi Jim,
Got fuel, got compression. What's left? Spark.
Check the fit of the primary wire to the distributor cap and coil.
How about the wire from the distributor to the CDI unit?
There is more, but this will get you started.
I'm sure others will chime in.

Thanks! I will get back here after I check it.

Fuel pump relay, distributor cap and rotor.

Change the fuel filter if it hasn't been done.

Jim

The FIRST thing I would check is the coil. I have had them just quit.

Your coil probably died. Don't ask me how I know this. I carry a spare in the trunk and tools to quickly change it out. 13mm and 8 mm wrenches.

Thanks guys! updates will follow.

sure you got fuel?
 

My red fuse that runs the fuel pump used to dislodge killing the engine

Aha! This is why the factory tool kit has a 13mm and 8mm wrench in it, huh?
Krafty Germans. :D

Hope you can get this going again soon.

Please try putting the a/c relay in place of the fuel pump relay and see if this helps. What CDI box do you have? Is the coil still good? If you have a Permatune box, please read up on them on. Our host has some good replacement options...

She's Runnin!

First things first, idiot check, made SURE I had enough gas. 2 more gallons. No dice.

I tryed switching the a/c-fuel pump relay, no dice.

I checked all the wire to the dist cap, coil, everything checked out.

I was ready to order a new coil, when I decide to check one more thing. For some reason I felt like it could have been something to do with the pop off valve/airbox. When I took off the filter, the pop off valve had popped out completely. It did its job, but instead of opening, it just blasted out into the airbox. I pushed it back in and she started no problem. weird. I guess I need a better glue.

Thanks again for all you help.

Yay, well done finding the problem. Get some sandpaper onto the plastic in the airbox and the pop-off valve itself as the glue needs something to hang on to.