[83_Silberpfeil]

So, finally making the drive to the Smog Check shop this AM. Unfortunately, I didn't make it there --- just 1.2 miles shy, and the car died.

HOW IT HAPPENED:

It was a mere 7.5 mile trip. At about 2.5 miles, I start noticing a loud humming noise. Turns out to be a very loud fuel pump. NOTE: fuel pump brand new, just replaced a few months ago, and just ~ 10 miles driven.

I kept driving and at about 5 miles, I notice some hesitation at ~ 20 to 30 mph. I pull over to curb, and the car died. Tried to start it; no go.

Waited ~ 15 min, trying to decide what to do. Tow it home, or tow it to a shop. Then it started. I carry forward and try to get to smog shop. Then, about 1.2 miles away, the car dies again, and doesn't start. Waited ~ 20 min and tried a few times. No start.

Called AAA and towed it to local air-cooled shop.

WHAT I THINK HAPPENED / CAUSE / ISSUE:
The loud FP noise tells me that it was trying to work really hard, and may be finally got clogged w rust from tank. During my last attempts at starting, I got out of car and peek'd under to listen for the FP. It was running/humming --- regular noise level, not loud. So it is still trying to run.

I believe the new fuel in the tank ~ 6 or 7 gallons I added earlier this wee, sloshed around the tank while being driven dislodged loads of rust in the tank, and made its way to either the pump, or clog'd the screen or the swirl thingy.

It's in the hands of a good air-cooled shop now. Possible remedies:
- remove FP and run it backwards to unclog --- may be check valve clog'd?
- drain tank again, or replace tank?
- new FP again?

While it is there, will have them do a few other things :
- change 915 gear oil; replace w new fill and drain plugs
- properly align the shift coupler/linkage
- change alternator fan belt
- valve adjust
- diagnose/assess rough idle --- determine if all cylinders are firing, if not ID which one and sort it out.