HEI module gone bad???

[special-K]

Try starting fluid. If it doesn't start on that it's ignition. One exception, if choke is closing when hot starting fluid won't start it and the closed choke is the issue. I had this problem before but it was due to a missing choke rod. It would start hot as long as I didn't touch the pedal. That would trip the choke shut and give nothing but cranking...and you could smell the raw fuel. No air was the problem

[slikside]

Good thing I'm not a doctor...turns out, it was flooded!

When the tow guy showed up, he suggested we try it again. I was sceptical, but agreed, nothing to lose. As before, it cranked and cranked without a hint of firing....until just as I began releasing the key, it seemed like is was trying to start...barely! Then I smelled gas. We both thought maybe it was flooded. So put the pedal to the floor and held it there and started to crank again. Sure enough it fired up after a bit! Ran like crap for a couple minutes. I still had it towed because I didn't trust it. Only thing worse than being where I was would have been being stranded on the highway, and having to call AAA again! But by the time he had it loaded, it seemed to be running "normal".

I had a few minutes yesterday afterwards, and thought I'd check the fuel filter on the front of the Q-jet. Yep, packed with crap. Looked like green plastic shavings ( any ideas?). I rebuilt the carb about 5 years ago with one of Cliff Ruggles kits. It has performed flawlessly...until yesterday. That's why it never occurred to me that it was flooded. But I haven't changed the filter in all that time either. So I got a new filter (less than $2!), and stuck it in there. Fired right up and idled fine, even in gear, but I haven't driven it yet because the weekend has been full of family events, and I didn't want to run the risk of getting stranded again with all that going on.

So I now think some debris must have gotten past the filter, and interfered with the carb somehow, but then managed to clear itself.

So that's where I am for now. Glad that it seems to be resolved, and hoping that's all there was to it. I did find a module at the parts store for $50, but I didn't buy it because I wasn't positive that was the problem, and I didn't want to chase my tail...that's when I called AAA. Basic policy covers 7 miles, and I was 10 from home (think they've run the statistics on that one??lol), $8/mile after that. It cost me $24 to get my rig home, and get on with my day on my own terms.

[midniteblues]

Lots of times very small peices of the sending unit sock filter looks like strands of plastic.
But it could be rubber strands from the lines or a fuel pump thats eating its self.

Its amazing what can get by even a good a fuel filter.

[slikside]

Originally Posted by midniteblues

Lots of times very small peices of the sending unit sock filter looks like strands of plastic.
But it could be rubber strands from the lines or a fuel pump thats eating its self.

Its amazing what can get by even a good a fuel filter.

I'm thinking sending sock debris, but haven't confirmed. The tank is original and has never been out of the truck as far as I know. Hoses and pump are less than a year old.

[slikside]

Finally got around to driving it this weekend. All has been normal. Idrove it about 12 miles. Stop and go, and at speed. Put my foot to it a couple times.

Kinda confirms for me what I thought originally when I saw the old filter packed with debris...something got past it and interfered with the carb, flooding it.

For now, so far so good. I'll check the filter again after I put some more miles on it.

And I won't be waiting 5 years to change it anymore, no matter how good she's running.

[slikside]

Originally Posted by special-K

Try starting fluid. If it doesn't start on that it's ignition. One exception, if choke is closing when hot starting fluid won't start it and the closed choke is the issue. I had this problem before but it was due to a missing choke rod. It would start hot as long as I didn't touch the pedal. That would trip the choke shut and give nothing but cranking...and you could smell the raw fuel. No air was the problem

Starting fluid is a great idea...quick and easy. I'll have to remember that.