Hey all...I am probably pickin' up my FB from my buddy's house this week, and we still can't figure out why it isn't running. It's got a new gas tank, motor, and carb. Even when we roll it down the hill, put it in gear and pop the clutch (with the ignition to ON) it doesn't turn on. I can't remember whether the battery was good last time we tried, so I dunno if that could be it. Anyone got any idea what could be going on? BTW, It's an '85 base model. could it be the fuel pump? coils? wires? Anyone?

I'd doublecheck all the connections...especially since it's a new motor install. Make sure you're getting spark and while you have the plugs out see if they're wet (flooded). If so you know you're getting fuel at least and you can troubleshoot elsewhere. There are some techniques out there about how to unflood if that needs to happen. I think iluvmyrx7.com

new engine...try putting some atf in the engine to build some pressure up. and try not to burn the starter while trying to get it started.

pull a fuel line off and make sure the pump runs. check for spark...

Use oil instead of ATF.

OK i should correct myself. The roll-start/push start method starts the engine, but then it just dies after a couple of seconds. I haven't been with the car in a while, so I don't remember if there was actual fuel going through the carb, but I think so because it started and ran for a couple of seconds when rolling/being push started. <<shrugs>> any more ideas?

Weak fuel pump? Clogged filter? Bad gas?

i had one that ran the pump with the key on, when the engine was running the fuel pump would turn off. symptoms like you describe, car will start run until the float bowls empty, then die, refil float bowls, repeat.



turned out to be a bad ecu/emissions control unit, the 84-85 cars have a relay....

Yep, another issue with the '84-'85 fuel pump relay. You see this all the time on the evil forum.

yeah I will try and get a new fuel pump relay as soon asI can, and check out the actual pump and filter...thanks!