My U.S. 77 308 won't start - I'm determined to fix it...

Hi -

my 1977 308 won't fire up. If I use starter fluid or pour some gas into the carbs, it fires up and runs, but dies in few seconds. So I know its running. Engine is good and strong. Fuel isn't really too old, as to where I thought I would have been having this issue. Maybe its a year old, and was sitting a few months, now several more months. Never had an issue starting her in 20 years.

I've decided, I'm going to learn how to resolve this myself. A fellow F-chatter sent me a great article on the Weber 40 carb. Before I take these carbs off and clean them, I'd like to try and logically conclude the blockage is actually at the carbs. I will then remove/rebuild and sync as needed. Im fine to spend money on tools.

Please humor my dumb questions - and I really appreciate the help. I am passionate Ferrari owner.

1) how can I determine if the fuel blockage is indeed at the carbs or before... can I pull off a fuel hose (or several fuel hoses) going into the carbs and see if its pushing out fuel when I turn the car on? I can hear the fuel pump going when I turn the key. If I cant get any gas to the carb inlet then I will look downstream for collapsed hose, line filters, fuel filter, etc.

2) would it be odd that all 4 carbs are so jellied up that the car simply won't even start right now?

3) is there any sort of vacuum I should be testing on any of the hoses to determine if the system is compromised?

4) I never ever use the choke, never in 20 years have had to. I see based on the manual that the choke is a totally separate fuel supply within the carb? Should I try and use the choke? I just thought of this tonight after trying to get this car started several times this year.

Sincere thank you...

 

Starting from square one - I am at this stage with the trumpets and airbox on top of my carbs.

http://308restoration.com/2019/04/refitting-the-airbox/

The site owner - commented that getting this airbox back on was a *****, he even mentioned something about putting the car on the lift to get the hoses connected?

1) Am I going to need a lift to rebuild there carbs? Assuming its not a fuel blockage downstream?

2) any additional insight about removing this airbox and then putting it back on?

Thanks.

 

yes, I hear the fuel running - like it always has for 20 years. A nice little hum! I'm pretty certain the pump runs even if I am out of the seat.

@ Steve - ultimate dumb question - if looking at the rear of the car, which would be carb 5-6?

Thanks.

 

Also - how much fuel should I expect - will it be flowing, or just sort of pushing out slowly, or really gushing... I want to be prepared. I am sort of hoping the fuel lines are fine and its the carbs... Is there a fuel feed line to each of the 4 carbs or does it daisy chain? Thanks

 

Thanks everyone so far... I am definitely a tool guy... don't mind to buy any tools.

Can I check any of the fuel lines without taking off the airbox? Steve's picture, clearly has the airbox off : )

Great idea - a fuel pressure gauge... any suggestions one to buy? Basically - connect it inline and check the fuel pressure? what pressure would I expect to see if the fuel pump is okay and the filters/lines are clear (not clogged or collapsed) heading into the entry point to the carbs. whats the best place to connect it?

I read a long fchat thread about the nuts and washer getting the airbox and air horns off... I will devise or buy some sort of tool, but its still unclear to me what to expect... can someone describe the stacked order of the parts that will be there? nut on top, then a washer, then airhorn body, then airbox body? I read you cant simply pull the airhorns off from the top, and that there is some rubber washer that falls out from the underside? But I have no clear vision in my mind of the stack... a simple hand drawing perhaps would be very helpful. boy I feel so desperate and needy!

THANK YOU