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[Twilks63]

I picked up a 1976 Spitfire cheap. I towed it home and can not keep it started. I replaced the fuel filter and fuel pump and no luck. If I stand next to the carb and sprary starting fluid the engine cranks and will run but it just won't stay started. I made sure that the fuel pump is working. Any ideas? I am newbie to the spitfire and would appreciate any help. Thanks in advance.

[gungatim]

If it will run on starting fluid, you have a fuel delivery issue.  Verify you are getting fuel by disconnecting hose at the carb. Use a fuel pressure guage ($10 at HF) or let it pump into a cup. You should fill the cup in about a minute.  If you are getting good fuel to the carb, both volume and pressure, then you have an internal carb problem.  Stuck needle or clogged passages are likely.  You will need to get a rebuild kit and take the carb apart to clean and reset.  Of course this assumes the fuel is good and not full of water or old and stagnant.

If you are not getting fuel to the carb, check the fuel lines to the tank, fuel level, venting, etc.  Try bypassing the tank by hooking a hose to the fuel pump and pump directly from a can of gas.

Hope this helps!
Tim.

[Twilks63]

Tim,

Thanks for the reply. I will try this over the weekend. I really appreciate your response.

Tom