i cant fix it!

[57traveller]

If this problem began only after running low on fuel and the car was o.k. before then it would seem to relate to that.
Do you know where the fuel pump is situated? If not it's to the right side of the battery when viewed from front of car. (cylindrical thing with two pipes and a wire attached)
Is this unit "ticking" with the engine running, if so how fast? There is probably a fine mesh filter fitted in the pump body . It's situated behind a hexagon headed brass plug in the same section as the pipe from the tank and to the carburettor. This could be full of sediment etc. and require cleaning.

[Gareth]

You have mail.

[rayofleamington]

hi there
If you're still stuck in - gimme a shout I may be able to look at it for you (my family live in Burntwood - which bit of 'near lichfield' are you?).

A very common problem is the fuel pump as already mentioned. it should give a healthy regular ticking sound when the engine is running and just after you turn the ignition on.
I had a very similar event a couple of months ago on a car I just bought - it is common for petrol pumps to play up if the car has been standing a while, or if the pump points are worn.

Giving it a tap with a screwdriver handle (or your knuckles if you're tough) will usually start it pumping
If the ticking stops with the engine running, then starts again when you tap it, and then runs very rapidly for a second, this is probably the points.
If the points really need cleaning or replacing it'll probably stop again... and again... and again... until you get back home to grab the tools and sort it out

If the pump runs rapidly quite often then there may be air getting into the fuel line. This will limit the pumps ability to get fuel to the carb.

If it's not the pum there could be many reasons, including an air leak at the carb/manifold.

[Scott]

Is it possible you've put the carb dashpot on 180deg out & now the piston is sticking? This produces a nice idle until you try to accelerate in which case the engine dies.