Engine starts then cuts out within about 5 seconds

Post by **WillsMck** » Sat Dec 03, 2005 4:34 pm

Hi I have a 1968 Traveller which has been sitting for a few weeks. I managed to start her, however the engine idles for a few seconds then cuts out. Any attempt to press the throttle cuts it out quicker. I have sprayed WD40 on ignition leads and distributir cap to no avail. Has anyone got some advice.

Thanks

Willie

Post by **Packedup** » Sat Dec 03, 2005 5:41 pm

Blocked fuel line, sticking float valve thing (needle valve?), faulty pump.

Certainly sounds more fuel related than ignition

Post by **Cam** » Sat Dec 03, 2005 6:54 pm

Gracie used to do that when I first had her. It was the fuel pump sticking (they can do that when left idle for weeks on end). Clean the fuel pump points up and see if it cures it.

Post by **bmcecosse** » Sun Dec 04, 2005 8:04 pm

Yep - sounds like lack of fuel !

Post by **WillsMck** » Sun Dec 04, 2005 11:37 pm

Thanks everyone I'll have a look at the fuel pump next weekend.

Regards,

Willie

Post by **bmcecosse** » Mon Dec 05, 2005 7:51 pm

Tip a cupfull of petrol down the carb and see how long it runs then. Does the fuel pump 'tick' ? It must be doing something, or the engine would never start. Try cleaning the points - or for a short term fix - give it a bang with a hammer !

Post by **jojax64** » Tue Dec 06, 2005 4:05 pm

I had the same symptoms when the little nut had fallen off the points. The car would start OK, but the engine viration soon dislodges the LT wire, (from the distributer body), and goes open cct.

Post by **246gts** » Tue Dec 06, 2005 4:28 pm

I also had a similar problem when the nylon washer insulating between the two sections of the points had cracked and was arcing across