Starts... sort of (?)

[TAG]

Hi, I've got a '74 2.0 that ran before I pulled the fuel tank and checked the lines.

Now it doesn't start unless I prime it and hold down the throttle

Even then it starts for a few seconds, and then dies.

How can I check the fuel pressure in the lines?

[Kirmizi]

I'd start by checking the fuel lines in the area you were working recently.
It's not uncommon to cause a kink or pinch them when reinstalling the fuel tank.
Mike

[Dave at Pelican Parts]

Usually you check for pressure in the lines by using a fuel pressure gauge. It would go somewhere in the high-pressure loop, "downstream" of the pump and "upstream" of the fuel pressure regulator. It's pretty easy to unhook the fuel line from the cold-start valve and hook that line up to a pressure gauge.

Your pressure should be 29 PSI while the pump is running. The pump should run while the starter is cranking, and while the engine is turning over at least 50 RPM.

--DD

[Peter Zimmermann]

The metal injector line also has a test port. Remove the little screw in its end and hook up the gauge hose at that point. Lot's of pressure, be sure that the hose is properly clamped.

[Dave at Pelican Parts]

Not all fuel rails have the test port. (I have several without in my boxes of spare parts!) But if it is there, it is a fine place to hook in a pressure gauge.

--DD

[TAG]

Just picked up a fuel pressure gauge, and figured out where the fuel rails are. Hoping to have time over the long weekend to track down the issue.

I think I may have kinked the line too much when I replaced it last year... didn't have a proper pipe bender to get it through the grommet in the front firewall.

Kind of hoping that's not where I went wrong because the whole process of pulling the tank/routing the lines was NOT fun...

[Dave at Pelican Parts]

You can get a look at the bottom of the fuel tank by putting the car up on stands and removing the "gravel pan" under the steering rack. There is a ~6" diameter hole from the steering rack compartment to the fuel tank compartment. You can see through it and (usually) get your hand through it to feel what is going on under the tank. You might need a flashlight and a mirror to get a really good look at some of it.

It's an alternative to pulling the tank.

--DD

[jeffs9146]

Check to see if you reversed the fuel lines when you removed the tank!