So my 91 Sambar has been running great for four months. I let it sit for two days but before that I believe I ran it low on gas (I do run low a lot). So sitting for two days I went back to start it up (Had to go to work CRAP!!) It doesn't start ! Ideas that I have ... -Gas is frozen (Unlikely) -Fuel pump died because of running on low gas -Driving on the hwy everyday killed the poor kei truck -I don't recall hearing the fuel pump pressurizing (If it does) every time I put it to 'on' - *Dumbfounded* Too bad I can't get it started to bring to my shop to diagnose it more. Pros -It cranks really well, no problem there.
my money is on a clogged fuel filter or pickup screen in the tank...letting it run low on fuel allows the pump to suck in all the crud in the bottom of the tank..also some fuel pumps (especially in tank pumps) are cooled by being immersed in fuel and can burn out
Flutter, gently, floored. Tried it all. My suspicsion leads me to believing it's the fuel pump. Do our kei trucks have a fuel regulator, maybe I can use a bigger pump but same style.
Update ! Okay so I took the line off after the fuel pump going to the carb and gave it a quick crank. It shot out on splurge of gas to pressurize (I believe) and when I crank nothing... until I back off the key and it shot out a couple of times. I have a feeling I have fuel so I'll check for spark and air.
Update... IT WAS NOT THE FILTER... though it was black, like ... black. In the end, I tested the spark plugs if they sparked but in reality they were fouled. So I replaced them and the truck starts 100% Awesomness.
The next day ... Dun dun dun ! It doesn't start ... Too much gas ? .. -Sadface- I wonder what will make it not start anymore after a snowy drive.
Work update. It started after jacking the rear end up and cranking it a little. I tried putting it in second and starting it, don't ask me why but it started. Maybe it needed a little push start haha. The feelings I have, that it's getting too much fuel or spark is not strong enough... Kinda sorta doesn't explain why it'll start while jacked up since that's how I started it the other two times if everyone has been reading. Something I found, - A sparking noise here and there that seems to be near the engine bay. "Gasp! " Is it some sort of ignition problem than ... Dun dun dun ! Will keep at it..
possible ground strap problem..when you jack it up it is making contact ?...could still be a fuel pickup,but if you are hearing an arcing noise then I would try hooking a jumper cable to the neg battery terminal and to the engine and see if it starts...there should also be a ground from your dist. body to the frame..it may be corroded
Quoc, when you gapped the plugs what did you use? I had a misfire under load problem and it turned out that the PO had gapped the plugs to .050 instead of .030. Pull a plug wire off and hold it near the body. See if you get a nice, fat, blue spark. Be careful you don't zap yourself. Check the ground like Fupa said. Have you checked the points and condensor?
Hmm I'll check soon, my Sambar book said to gap at 1mm which I did do when I put new plugs in it, also I did check the spark when the old ones were in. The Kei truck starts and runs fine but when it doesn't start it's usually wet. SOOO I'll be checking all my grounds but what points near the condenser ?
may need to file the points, check and see they don;t have a bur on them it will cause messed up ignition problems. I'ld coem help you but my Corolla died last night.. and the timing belt snapped on my Sambar today..
Huzzaahhh so it was the wire that connects to the ignition coil and distributor ! New wires, caps, and rotors are coming. !
So far everything is perfect with the old coil wire I have but it's a pain that once in awhile I have to wiggle it to get the truck to start. Sadly my lack of a stable job means no new rotors, cap and wires.