Can't keep '73 1.7L running
 

1973 1.7L FI 99% original.
Took it out of storage last weekend. Checked oil, vac hoses, fuel lines, dwell, timing and off she went.
Drove to/from work fine for 2 days (~90 miles), then died out and would not restart for any significant duration
Checked that I was getting spark at cylinder, fuel was in the rail (don’t have gauge to check actual pressure), and air intake was unobstructed.
Since I stored with ¼ tank gas without stabilizer, did not dump and replace, but merely tanked up on premium, I figured I had likely clogged fuel filter. Replaced and slightly better, but not much (plenty of crap come out of old as fuel drained).
Took out, disassembled, fully cleaned and checked distributor. Fuel Injector triggers look and meter fine. Gapped ignition points to .4mm. Returned dist to location and approx timing. Got it to start and idle high for about a minute, maybe 2, then cutout. Several more instances like that – where I finally get it to catch, it will run for 30 sec to a minute and die out. Thought it was starved of fuel , but maybe it’s air? Or is my fuel pump toast?
Thank you for looking and replying.

That's the big flashing red light to me... You sill have crud in the tank; you may want to get the tank cleaned and re-sealed. At least drain again and new filter.

--DD

So enough fuel is occasionally making it through to light her up, but not sustain? And when I say crap, I mean little rusty particulates. Tank was pulled (and allegedly conditioned) 3 years ago. Gas coming out of line upstream from filter is clean and clear ( I should know - I drank plenty; didn't think to clamp line and use a glass to catch the remaining - doh). Should I be pulling the fuel pump to clean it out? Blow-back the injectors and rails? Maybe I should take up smoking? :-)

Still busted?

Send me an email, I may have an opportunity to comme down and take alook

Rich