AMC Eagle Den Forum

The Mighty 258 => Fuel Systems. => Topic started by: SpreadEagle on November 25, 2012, 07:13:36 PM

Title: Runs and dies
Post by: SpreadEagle on November 25, 2012, 07:13:36 PM
Still working on my Eagle trying to get it to where I can drive it to work. :banghead: Currently I can get it started but it will only run for a while and then dies. Does not seem to matter if in the driveway or road or even at what RPM will just strait die.. First going to look at fuel pump and new hoses but it just occurred to me that the Gas tank may have something there that is getting sucked into the pick up? I'm not really wanting to drop the tank..
Currently looking at a fuel pump a second inline fuel filter and new hoses.. :help:


Always appreciate the input I get Thanks all
Title: Re: Runs and dies
Post by: mudkicker715 on November 25, 2012, 07:55:22 PM
Fuel tank is not so horrible. i have done it a few times on my babys. its easy. also otvyou snapva boltbi have used threaded rod to replace the hanger bolt.
Title: Re: Runs and dies
Post by: eagleman on November 25, 2012, 08:03:08 PM
Might want to check and make sure your fuel tank is venting. Just to make a check remove the gas cap and let it run for awhile in the driveway. If it does continue to run put the cap back on and see if it dies then. If so you know you have a venting problem. Could be either the gas cap itself or the tank vent line.
Title: Re: Runs and dies
Post by: SpreadEagle on November 25, 2012, 08:28:07 PM
Quote from: eagleman on November 25, 2012, 08:03:08 PM
Might want to check and make sure your fuel tank is venting. Just to make a check remove the gas cap and let it run for awhile in the driveway. If it does continue to run put the cap back on and see if it dies then. If so you know you have a venting problem. Could be either the gas cap itself or the tank vent line.
Pretty sure it vents The cap is old and doesn't seal..
Title: Re: Runs and dies
Post by: BenM on November 26, 2012, 05:28:04 PM
The tank isn't too bad, I believe something really common has hangers that work, but a hobby tool or air tool wire wheel on the threads will probably save your bacon.

I made a tank pump not long ago, I got an inexpensive electric fuel pump and some vinyl tubing. I hooked it up to a long cable with a lighter plug on the end and use a portable jump starer to power it, in a well-ventilated space of course. Getting as much gas out of the tank as possible makes a difference in weight.

On the possibility of trouble-shooting; does it start up again right away after dying?

Title: Re: Runs and dies
Post by: SpreadEagle on November 26, 2012, 07:20:59 PM
Quote from: BenM on November 26, 2012, 05:28:04 PM
The tank isn't too bad, I believe something really common has hangers that work, but a hobby tool or air tool wire wheel on the threads will probably save your bacon.

I made a tank pump not long ago, I got an inexpensive electric fuel pump and some vinyl tubing. I hooked it up to a long cable with a lighter plug on the end and use a portable jump starer to power it, in a well-ventilated space of course. Getting as much gas out of the tank as possible makes a difference in weight.

On the possibility of trouble-shooting; does it start up again right away after dying?


Does seem to start again after a bit of pumping.. Hence the reason I was looking at a pump or something randomly blocking the pick up.
Title: Re: Runs and dies
Post by: eagleman on November 26, 2012, 08:01:18 PM
Think I would pull the pick up out of the tank and check the pick up sock. Probably covered with rust dirt and all kinds of crap. I cleaned mine with B-12 chemtool and reinstalled it. Some just leave off but mine cleaned up great so I put it back on and then install a new fuel filter. Believe I would do this before investing in a new fuel pump that it may not need.
Title: Re: Runs and dies
Post by: AMC lifer on November 26, 2012, 08:22:51 PM
Quote from: eagleman on November 26, 2012, 08:01:18 PM
Think I would pull the pick up out of the tank and check the pick up sock. Probably covered with rust dirt and all kinds of crap. I cleaned mine with B-12 chemtool and reinstalled it. Some just leave off but mine cleaned up great so I put it back on and then install a new fuel filter. Believe I would do this before investing in a new fuel pump that it may not need.

Going through all of this work begs the question, Does your gas gauge work?  The likely culprit of this is an old fuel sending unit. As long as the tank is off, if the unit does not work, replace this as well. I hear tell there is an aftermarket one available. You just have to look for it.
Title: Re: Runs and dies
Post by: SpreadEagle on November 26, 2012, 08:50:40 PM
Quote from: AMC lifer on November 26, 2012, 08:22:51 PM
Quote from: eagleman on November 26, 2012, 08:01:18 PM
Think I would pull the pick up out of the tank and check the pick up sock. Probably covered with rust dirt and all kinds of crap. I cleaned mine with B-12 chemtool and reinstalled it. Some just leave off but mine cleaned up great so I put it back on and then install a new fuel filter. Believe I would do this before investing in a new fuel pump that it may not need.

Going through all of this work begs the question, Does your gas gauge work?  The likely culprit of this is an old fuel sending unit. As long as the tank is off, if the unit does not work, replace this as well. I hear tell there is an aftermarket one available. You just have to look for it.
Appreciate it both of you.. I'm thinking that is the coarse of action I'll take. Gauge reads 1/4 tank or over but I can hear the gas slosh around and it sounds like I only have the 2 gallons I put in. Had a suggestion if I drop the tank to also clean the body under there and re coat it for rust protection. If the sock is shot I'll go the route of getting a few inline filters ahead of the pump..
Anyone around KC want to help drop a tank and replace Leaf springs? figure if I'm dropping the tank I can put on the leaf springs I have. :occasion14:
Title: Re: Runs and dies
Post by: carnuck on November 27, 2012, 02:46:36 PM
Fuel socks in the tank turn to mush in areas where there is MTBE fuel additive. It could also be the ignition module headed south.
Title: Re: Runs and dies
Post by: SpreadEagle on November 27, 2012, 02:52:37 PM
What could you use to replace the sock? is it a fiber type sock that I could use maybe a fiberglass fabric on?
Title: Re: Runs and dies
Post by: BenM on November 27, 2012, 03:08:24 PM
Yes, sounds like a dying ignition module or a dying coil. Both pieces are cheap, and there is a good argument for having a spare ignition module in the trunk, so it won't be money wasted if it's not the problem.

Is the dying related in any way to temperature or how recently it's been run?
Title: Re: Runs and dies
Post by: SpreadEagle on November 27, 2012, 03:17:49 PM
Quote from: BenM on November 27, 2012, 03:08:24 PM
Yes, sounds like a dying ignition module or a dying coil. Both pieces are cheap, and there is a good argument for having a spare ignition module in the trunk, so it won't be money wasted if it's not the problem.

Is the dying related in any way to temperature or how recently it's been run?

I will say it seemed at first that if I let it sit it will run for a bit longer than if I try and start after it dies.. the coil is not the canister style so I have no idea how old they are. Looks life it has the Ford cap on distributor.
Title: Re: Runs and dies
Post by: carnuck on November 27, 2012, 03:27:58 PM
Quote from: SpreadEagle on November 27, 2012, 02:52:37 PM
What could you use to replace the sock? is it a fiber type sock that I could use maybe a fiberglass fabric on?

www.BJsoffroad.com sells new socks (same as '80ish FSJs) but I take them off and add a filter right before my fuel pump.
Title: Re: Runs and dies
Post by: Amc1320 on November 28, 2012, 09:55:44 PM
I'm with carnuck
Working on an old Gremlin, pulled the tank removed the sock thing that was full of crud, added an inline filter between the tank and the fuel pump in addition to the regular filter, a LOT easier to get to if it needs replaced!

Rob c
Title: Re: Runs and dies
Post by: SpreadEagle on November 29, 2012, 12:31:40 AM
I will mention I've got a Motorcraft 21xx carburetor and guessing a MSD coil because the coil is not a canister.  Any minor things on the carburetor that could be causing the problem. I got it revving today and it still died. Starting at the front and cleaning electrical and checking plugs put an inline filter on and move toward the tank.  If I get there and find my jack stands I'll drip the tank and Change rear springs while at it.. and now I've posted enough that it needs to be in projects.. I'll do that as I do the work..

Update:
Think I found issue. When placing a filter before fuel pump the line looked a bit bad. Added the filter and tightened lines down and no more issue at this point. Topped off the tank today and the Eagle is not running too bad.. I think it was getting air in thelineand not keeping pump primed.
Title: Re: Runs and dies
Post by: carnuck on December 16, 2012, 12:05:09 AM
That would do it!
Title: Re: Runs and dies
Post by: SpreadEagle on December 16, 2012, 09:59:00 AM
I may not be a great mechanic or 1 at all but my troubleshooting skills aren't too bad. Years working on computers.