Ran out of gas and It wouldn't start again after fill

[Thunder]

Sorry I'm posting so much, I'm new and have too many questions. The problems are making me think twice about keeping my fsj. I ran out of gas, filled it up and it wouldn't start. Kept cranking but not starting. I eventually poured gas directly into the carb and it started enough to drive home 4blocks away. Anything special have to be done after running out? This was a bad day, 1st off I didn't pass emmissions(NM). I found out I also need a cat converter and exhaust blower or something like that even to pass.Ahhh! sorry I'm stressed

[Dan G]

Ok, relax, it's frustrating the first couple of weeks. Don't rely on the gas gauge, buy a small pad and write down your mileage (what I would give for a trip odometer) and figure that you can't go more than 200 or 250 miles on a tank, at least until you've got it figured out.

Second, establishing fuel prime on these beasts is not easy. I ran out on an Easter morning on my way to church. Imagine seeing a guy under the hood of an FSJ in a suit in the rain sucking on the fuel line to establish prime (I didn't want to run the battery down to where I COULDN'T start). Pouring gas down the carb will get her started, but it might also cause some nice flames if you spill it. Also, my FSJ likes to backfire thru the carb (do they call it front fire then?)

Third, if you walk into any of these auto parts places and say exhaust blower, they're going to look at you like you've got three heads. Call it an air pump (for emissions). Basically it's belt driven and improves the performance of the catalytic converter by shoving volumes of clean air into your converter. It helps 'catalyze' the process.

Others who actually care about going to inspection and passing will be able to tell you if you need both the catalytic and air pump or just one or the other.

[andy d]

you got it home dntcha? cheerup, it takes my cars an avg of 2trys to make it past inspections. i'm always dejected when they flunk and on cloud nine when they finally pass. if you dont ask questions how will you learn? ive done 4 exhaust syst this year, last year was waterpumps. usually after running out of gas, its necessary to prime the carb, it should start right up now. if it ran 4blocks that means gas is pumping. if you came close to passing, there are a few things to try, 10% dry gas in the fuel, a new air filter and an oil change. if its been along time since there was a tuneup, plugs, wires, cap and a rotor should be replaced.

[Thunder]

thanks Dan I appriciate the advice. Couple questions. Can I install an air pump myself, is it hard? 2. Did driving my truck home prime the gas or do I need to prime it myself and if so how? Thanks man.

[Thunder]

thanks Andy. Yeah at least its home. I just don't wanna go broke fixing little crap all the time. I'm still not sure if the gas is pumping. I was actually only about 2 1/2 blocks from home.

[Dan G]

2-1/2 blocks in an FSJ is like going 100 miles in anything else. She's primed. Air pump is do it yerself, catalytic may be diy IF you've got a decent tool set.

[smithhl]

I'm going through the same thing right now. Not the emissions crap though (My dad has lived here since 1970 and still not one emissions test). Make sure there is no blockage in the fuel lines (I blew compressed air through mine), check or change the fuel filter, unhook the fuel line going into the carb and just turnover the engine a little bit, if there is fuel in the jar that you stuck the fuel line in, then you're getting gas. Check the choke (mine has a thermastat in it) make sure it works. You could also check the diaphram pump on the carb. There could be something else that's not letting it start that I'm not aware of, I still haven't got mine to run more than 15 minutes.

[Va-Rob]

Depending on what the PO (previous owner) did to the jeep as far as removing stuff will determin how much it is going to cost. If all the systems for the emmisions are there but just need fixing it should not cost too much. 150-200$. If things are missing it may cost a bunch. There should be air-injector rails(on exhaust manifolds) a diverter valve, check valves on the air-rails and hoses conecting it all to the air-pump. yours does'nt have an air tube to the converter. There's not much to it. If you need more help let me know.

Rob

[Hump]

I think it has happened to us all. My '87 GW ran out of gas while I was driving it home from buying it, because the gas gauge was permanently on 1/4 tank unless it was brimming full. Now that's enought to frustrate you. Brand new vehicle runs out of gas when it says it has gas.

Anyways, had to walk a half mile buy a gas can and gas, and then walk back. Then with 2 1/2 gallons in the tank, she wouldn't start.

Your fuel pump will pump every last bit of fuel, and then air through your line. When it gets that low it will usually try to pump the sentiment through too. So it could junk up your fuel filter, or block your line. In my case, there was just a bunch of air in the line, and with a low pressure pump, your battery will be dead before it pushes the fuel up to the carb. You did the right thing by priming it (dumping gas straight into your carb), if you drove it home, you shouldn't have any problems starting it again. If you do check your fuel filter.

[Thunder]

thanks everyone for your help. I started running this morning so gas is pumping. NOW it looks like the carb is out of tune again. The rpm's start revving at about 20-30mph. Oh I hope this has a happy ending. I really am regretting buying it. I love it and it's potential, but hate the daily headaches. I'll keep ya posted after I have the cat installed and I'm letting them tune the carb this time.

[Bob Barry]

I'd definitely change the fuel-filter, and also open up the carburetor to see if there is any junk/sediment in the float-bowl that might be causing the float to hang open or clogging the main jets or power-valve. You may also have a vacuum leak causing the surging.

As for the emissions equipment, it's all still available, but you'll have to figure out exactly what you're missing.

[reddog]

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Thunder:
thanks everyone for your help. I started running this morning so gas is pumping. NOW it looks like the carb is out of tune again. The rpm's start revving at about 20-30mph. Oh I hope this has a happy ending. I really am regretting buying it. I love it and it's potential, but hate the daily headaches. I'll keep ya posted after I have the cat installed and I'm letting them tune the carb this time.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Welcome to the Wonderful World of FSJs. :D

Sounds like a crb rebuild is really in order. I do not know if you have the time to invest but IMHO the best thing to do is the DIY approach (but then I'm on the cheap side and HATE it when you pay good money to some IDIOT who really knows less than you do - sorry for the rant!) A carb rebuild is pretty easy - check the tech section, there is a pretty good right up on it. A kit cost around $50 and takes a couple of hours to do.

Kerry