Idle too low, chuggs then conks out.....

[ckakoliris]

I've got an 81 sc, I was driving it the other day and as i was driving it shut down on me. It wouldn't start at all. It was turning over although just couldn't get it running.
After a tow home, the next day it started. Driving for about 10-15 minutes then the same thing happened again.

If fells like you are towing a trailer (push pull) and then it comes to a halt.

After starting and in neutral, it idles at something like 200-300. Fuel pumps are working as i can hear them working.
Could this be fuel filter?, fuel accumulator or fuel regulator? maybe spark plugs.

Could blocked fuel filter cause this? not enough fuel getting through. Only reason i say this is because after sitting overnight she starts fine and idles fine for about 10-15 minutes. (fuel has time to drain through filter?)
i don't think i have ever changed my fuel filter in the 2 years i've had the car.


Please HELP!

cheers

[ossiblue]

Absolutely could be the filter. Your symptoms sound like fuel starvation. Begin with the simple and cheap--change out the fuel filter. If that doesn't fix the problem, move to a test of fuel pressures. Let us know your results, please.

[ckakoliris]

I changed the fuel filter today. The car still isn't starting at all now. Certainly smells like petrol. i didn't put any fuel into the fuel filter before installation. that a problem? how long does it take until fuel has passed the filter back into the lines

[T77911S]

you can remove the air filter and with the key on, lift the air sensor plate if you feel you need to "prime" the system. listen for a loud squeel or whine. that will let you know the pump is on and you are getting fuel to the injectors. it does not verify pressure or volume.

if no start, or when it is in a no start condition, i would first check for spark since that is an easy check and there are many other things to check on the fuel side to rule it out.

so, verify spark, then if that is good, we can look into the fuel side of it.

[ossiblue]

+1 on T77911S advice--that will guarantee fuel to cylinders and then check spark. Since you did smell fuel, I'm leaning toward a spark issue. Be careful, and don't crank the engine over continually if fuel is being delivered! That can lead to hydro-lock in you cylinders.