How do I check for fuel in the carbs | FerrariChat

How do I check for fuel in the carbs

Discussion in '308/328' started by Scottc, Sep 2, 2021.

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  1. Scottc

    Scottc Karting

    Jan 15, 2006
    81
    New York, NY
    Full Name:
    Scott Coverley
    I have a '79 308 carb car which died on me on a busy expressway. I could hear my fuel pump going but what is the easiest way to check if my carbs were actually getting fuel? Do I need to take off the air box?

    Scott
     
  2. lm2504me

    lm2504me Formula 3
    Silver Subscribed

    Aug 26, 2004
    1,122
    Nipomo, CA
    Full Name:
    Richard
    When I start my carb 308, I hear my pump buzzing and the sounds from my carbs as they fill up.
    If in doubt, yes, take off the airbox and you can see if the brass floats are near the top. I push them down with a thin screwdriver and see them bounce up. If the floats are low and will not bounce up, then no fuel going to carbs. Check pump.
    Do you have original pump?
     
  3. Steve Magnusson

    Steve Magnusson Two Time F1 World Champ
    Lifetime Rossa

    Jan 11, 2001
    26,799
    30°30'40" N 97°35'41" W (Texas)
    Full Name:
    Steve Magnusson
    There is a fuel return line going from the cyl #8 carb inlet fitting to the top of the RH fuel tank. If you disconnect that line, and turn on the fuel pump (engine not running) you could see if any fuel comes out (into a jar or some other reasonable container).

    With that said, have you confirmed/denied spark during starter motor cranking (e.g., by using a timing light or simple wire contact spark tester)? I'd do that before doing anything with the fuel system.
     
  4. Scottc

    Scottc Karting

    Jan 15, 2006
    81
    New York, NY
    Full Name:
    Scott Coverley
    Thanks guys..The fuel pump was replaced years ago and haven't confirmed confirmed the spark but will start there. Remind me where do I get a hot lead for the timing light again? I have a '79 308.
     
  5. Steve Magnusson

    Steve Magnusson Two Time F1 World Champ
    Lifetime Rossa

    Jan 11, 2001
    26,799
    30°30'40" N 97°35'41" W (Texas)
    Full Name:
    Steve Magnusson
    This is why a spark tester is more convenient ;). Is your '79 a US version or a euro version?
     
  6. Scottc

    Scottc Karting

    Jan 15, 2006
    81
    New York, NY
    Full Name:
    Scott Coverley
  7. absostone

    absostone F1 World Champ
    Silver Subscribed

    Jul 28, 2008
    10,027
    Just take off air filter cover with car off and work the throttle linkage to see if the acc pumps spray.
     
    DinoParts, Stefan and mike996 like this.
  8. Steve Magnusson

    Steve Magnusson Two Time F1 World Champ
    Lifetime Rossa

    Jan 11, 2001
    26,799
    30°30'40" N 97°35'41" W (Texas)
    Full Name:
    Steve Magnusson
    Can't recall how easy either of these would be to reach with the airbox in place, but the electrovalve for the airbox flap mechanism and the electrovalve for the air injection air diverter valve both have red wires in their connector that goes +12V with the key "on". Otherwise, run a long wire up to the positive battery terminal ;).
     
  9. Martin308GTB

    Martin308GTB F1 Rookie

    Jan 22, 2003
    4,259
    Black Forest Germany
    Full Name:
    Martin N.
    Most of the time, but also sometimes a leaking float.

    Best from Germany
    Martin
     

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