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  View original topic: HELP! Stuck in Renton WA,
colins84 Sat Jan 24, 2015 12:36 pm

Just flew in from California. Van sat on a slight hill pointed down for two days. Has been running fine up till now. Tried to start. Heard fuel pump. Didn't seem to want to start. I bump started since I was pointed downhill. Got going. Was running pretty rough. Pulled into gas station to fill up. Then the van would not start again. Tried bump starting, and the van will not even bump now.

I could use some help with a direction to go... Trying to get back to Bellingham today. Thanks!!!

-Colin

Randy in Maine Sat Jan 24, 2015 12:37 pm

Is the starter turning over?

How about with a jump? How are the connections at the battery and starter?

dobryan Sat Jan 24, 2015 12:39 pm

You can go the link in my sig line and see if there is anyone in your area who can help.... good luck.

colins84 Sat Jan 24, 2015 12:40 pm

Fuses all look good

Randy in Maine Sat Jan 24, 2015 12:43 pm

Can you wiggle the clamps? How about the connections at the starter?

Ahwahnee Sat Jan 24, 2015 12:43 pm

Assuming it cranks with alacrity but doesn't fire...

I'd be checking to see if it is getting a good spark.

BTW - when starting, I always have the trans in neutral and foot off the clutch. Aside from slightly less wear it probably doesn't matter most of the time, but in marginal start situations it can help (I think of it as you were able to bump start when the starter wouldn't do it).

colins84 Sat Jan 24, 2015 1:03 pm

I'm on the road!!! I got out and gave the fuel pump a couple of wacks. Tightened The air intake hose, and also reseated the two relays in the water type box on the left of a 1.9 engine.

Thanks for the recommendations guys!

djkeev Sat Jan 24, 2015 1:44 pm

Glad you got going!

Now..... Go fuel pump shopping.

It is really too bad you did so many things without trying to start after each one.
Had you done so you would KNOW what enabled you to get going..... Now you're guessing,

Still fuel pumps are proven headaches and a firm whack often encourages them to get on with it!

When I worked for Mercedes back in the 70’s, a hammer was often the only tool I needed to drive in a stranded EFI SE/SEL, major pump issues and a solid whack to the pump with the key on almost always got them going.

Dave



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