Hello,

I have an 1983 245 wagon that is 9 out of 10. This car is a real cream-puff and runs and drives almost like new. The only issue is that once in a while while driving, the engine cuts out momentarily and then usually runs normally. Sometimes it will stall completely but will then restart and run perfectly. Whenever this happens, I can hear the fuel pump relay click several times. I originally thought it might be a defective fuel pump relay so I installed a new one but it still does it. I've noticed that with a full tank of gas, it is less likely to do it and oppossed to a half full tank where it will happen once or twice during a trip. I've also noticed it won't due it at all if I put a can of "Seafoam" in the gas. I know it's a fuel supply issue but really confused if it's electrical or mechanical related. Could it be the main pump or perhaps whatever controls the pump relay? It does have a new "In-tank" pump installed. Does anyone have any ideas?

I'd sure appreciate any help.

Stuart from Portland Oregon

 

loose ground wires perhaps.....intank pump you must have seen it if you installed it yourself as it is 8 inches away from the pump access plate...and main pump is under the back passengers seat...

is the coil on the front right side or by the battery?
do you have an auxiliary valve attached to the valve cover? fat round or small thin valve?

 

The symptom that it happens more when below 1/2 tank of gas points to perhaps a rotted & leaky hose that connects the in-tank pump to the tube that runs out the top. Did you replace the in-tank pump yourself? How long ago was this?

You must use a hose that can be submersed in gasoline. Normal gas line hose will rot out rather quickly when submersed. When this hose leaks, you may experience loss of power when the tank is running low.

 

I'd make sure that your Hall sensor and its wiring are OK because that's what sudden cutouts are usually caused by... All your fuel related signs may be coincidental.

 

indeed, no timing pulses from the hall sensor, no fuel pumps OR spark.

 

There's no Hall sensor on an '83 [same as mine]. It's likely a loose wire or connection or maybe even a slightly rubbed raw wire shorting out somewhere [read about wire harness issues '83-'87] but it seems here lately a couple of us had the wires come loose at the connector for the 25A blade fuse on the drivers inner fender. Make sure those wires are tight and the fuse within it is good as well as your battery terminals. Also, check and clean fuses #5 & #7 on your main fuse box at the inner lower drivers kick panel ~ these are fuel pump fuses.

Good Luck!

 

does it use breaker points for timing?

 

Hi guys and thank you for all your thoughts. I'm not sure what a "Hall" sensor is.....what is it,lol? Do I have one and should I check it?

Here's the status of my issue with my caras of righ now. As I mentioned before, if I add a can of "Seafoam" treatment to the gas, the stalling problem seems to go away and the car runs perfectly. I added a can to a 3/4 full gas tank and it hasn't stalled since which has been about 50 or 60 miles ago. The more I think about it, it must be some kind of a fuel flow or fuel contamination issue. Could it be something so simple as water in the fuel or could it be some kind fuel pump issue that the "Seafoam" somehow addresses? Please let me know your thoughts......... but the Seafoam DEFINITLY solve the problem but only temporarily. The stalling usually will come back after one or two tanks fulls of fuel WITHOUT the Seafoam.