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Loss of power unless pumping gas pedal... Clogged fuel filter?


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I was cruising down the hwy today doing about 65. Normally I drive about 55 but I had just had a new set of tires put in and I was late for work because the shop took kinda long. Anyways, I was cruising at 65, all systems are normal, oil pressure is good, temp is above normal but no where near the red, volts are good and I just filled the tank. All the sudden, I feel my ride lose all its power. Pulled over, inspected it and found that at idle, it bearly stayed alive and hardly any gas was coming on. And when I would push in the accelerator pedal, the rpms would climb for a split second then it would die. I eventually discovered that by pumping the gas pedal I could keep it alive and get it up to 50mph. So I limped home and now I'm wondering what could have caused this. My guess is a clogged fuel filter. Any other ideas? I just changed the fuel pump this spring, and I could hear it clicking.

It's a 1984 GL wagon

EA81, Hitachi Carb

Edited by Sapper 157
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"I just filled the tank"  That's a pretty good clue. 

 

Sounds like you got some junk fuel.  Was it cheapo gas?

 

Change the fuel filter, see if it helps.  Help may only be temporary as it may just clog again.  But at least you will confirm problem and then resolve how to remove dirty fuel/

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This is why i only pump Shell or Valero fuel(Valero being Diamond Shamrock, might be a texas only), HEB fuel also but most of you guys woun't know what that is as thats definetly only a Texas thing,

anyways stay away from those kwikstop or food mart gas stations with the pump displays barely visible to read and the employees not knowing any english... don't know how bad the fuel could be but 5years later pumping Shell and sometimes Valero and im still doing good on the original fuel filter and pump thats been on the car 30years later, although i should probably change them anyways.

 

and throwing all the fuel out and putting better fuel to diagnose the problem might be the cheapest route to take right now.

 

edit: actually it might be easier to unplug the "IN" fuel line and buy a gallon of gas and gravity feed it? don't know as i've never had this issue.

Edited by Subasaurus
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Its possible it could have been a bad batch of gas. I only use non ethanol gas and I get it from a local fuel & feed store. The owners are friends of ours and ive been getting my fuel there for the past year and never had a problem.So i think it may have been just a bad batch of gas. Ill try changing those filters and hope that helps

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After the filter change, and it still dose it,  I have been able on different vehicles,  rev the gngine up a little with the air cleaner off, then put hand over top of carb till it almost dies.  sometimes if there is a drop of water in the main jet,  it will suck it thru.  Sometimes work's, sometimes not.  It's easier than breaking carb open.  Just a guess at a cheap fix.  MM

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I replaced the top fuel filter today and also got a disty cap and rotor on. It was when I was taking the old cap out I noticed that the number 1 cylinder dist cap port was full of blushish green corrosion! I replaced the cap and rotor and got the new engine compartment fuel filter on and then did the blocking the carburetor throat trick. it is running better. but no where near cured. I will replace the under body filter tomorrow and see if that helps any more.

Edited by Sapper 157
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Its possible it could have been a bad batch of gas. I only use non ethanol gas and I get it from a local fuel & feed store. The owners are friends of ours and ive been getting my fuel there for the past year and never had a problem.So i think it may have been just a bad batch of gas. Ill try changing those filters and hope that helps

Mom and pop fuel stations are more likely to get a bad batch of gas than say costco. Call or stop in, ask them If others are having issues. You wont be the only one. Its possible if the fuel is contaminated the car would run "leaner" causing your symptoms, including running hotter and probably pinging. The exhaust may smell odd as well. If you find out the gas was bad dont waiste money on filters till you dump it.

 

Sorry, I keep getting inturupted while trying to post. If you suspect this is your issue keep in mind that you have no idea what that fuel is contaminated with. It may be no big deal, but it could also seize valves and burn pistons. Ide probably eleminate this as a possibility befor adding too many miles too the odometer.

Edited by ihscout54
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I would say it's definitely fuel. I repaced both fuel filters, ran gerat for about two hours of communting and hualing six passengers. Then it started acting up again. So today im gonna drain my tank and replace the filters again. Im gonna run shell v-power supreme gas with a can of seafoam for my next tank of gas to try to "flush" my fuel system.

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