Engine Sucide

[Rick)rox]

I gots myself a problem. My car when start idles at about 1500 rpm, but after a few seconds it dies. This happenes even though I have a full tank of gas. Advice?

- Rick

[tanis]

Sounds fuel related - I'm not really an expert on the later systems, but its always worth checking the basics. Have you ever replaced the Fuel filter? How long have you owned the car? Is it FI or Carbed? I think 79s were primarily FI, and there are different test procedures fo rthem.. Give me a little more info and I'll try and give you better info.

[Rick)rox]

No, 3 months, Carb, =)

[mbouse]

1979 models were carb'd; as were about 1/2 of the 1980 models. Mid-year of '80 the engines were changed to fuel injection.

Does the engine come up to temp before it dies, or does it truely only take a few seconds? Your idle mixture sounds lean. Can you keep it running by pumping the gas pedal?

[So Cal Mark]

History first-80 cars were FI in Calif, carbed for Federal.

1500 is a very high idle, you could have a large vacuum leak, and that would cause it to die after the initial start. It could also be that the fast idle adjustment is set that high and when it drops off the fast idle cam, it stalls. There is a idle cut-off solenoid on the left side of the carb. That needs power to it, otherwise fuel flow thru the idle circuit is nil causing it to stall. With the key on, engine off, disconnect the wire to that solenoid and listen for a click when you reattach it. No click, no idle fuel.

[Rick)rox]

Ok, to warp it up in retard talk... Yes I can keep it running by keeping my foot an the gas. And I think this is what mark is telling me to do : Check for vacuum leak, Check that fast idle adjustment hingy, idle cut-off solenoid, and listen for a click.

[Rick)rox]

Uh oh,
I disconnected my idle solenoid and listened for a "click" Now car don't start at all.