Fuel pump or solenoid - 1641
 

My 1641 is having intermittent starvation problems. Cranks and runs fine. Might run an hour, might run 2 minutes. Then begins to die. I can nurse it along with the choke for a minute or two and it will pick back up only to start dying in another minute or two.

When this happens there is still visible in the fuel filter, but the bowl on the carb is low enough to be effectively empty. The fuel filter is about 6 months old. I've cleaned the carb myself and I'm comfortable it is not a dirty carb issue.

Since it's intermittent, how do I determine whether it's a weak/failing fuel pump or the solenoid? I will replace the pulse line to the pump just in case that's it but there are no visible cracks.

Thanks.

Jbo

I would replace the Fuel Filter first. Then go from there.

How do you know the bowl on the carb is going empty?

What solenoid? The one on the carb? If you mean that one, remove it and see if the issue goes away. I was thinking the plunger was removable.... if not, just put a plug in place of the solenoid.

Have you removed and cleaned the tank? Replaced the fuel lines?

If you are sure that it's not in the carb, I would clean the tank, replace the lines and fuel pump. If it still has issue, you know what the problem isn't.

I know the carb bowl is empty because I've opened it up after letting this problem kill the engine.

Yes, I was referring to the fuel solenoid.

Will change the in-line filter. Is there a strainer in the tank?

Thanks.

Jbo

yes there are two and is likely the problem.

Here is some light reading for you.
http://www.onlycubcadets.net/forum/s...ad.php?t=33244

Plan on removing the fender pan and tank. I'd be willing to bet that the fuel shut off valves are plugged and that the fuel lines need to be replaced. They are only 20 + years old at this point.

Just a FYI not all Vanguards have the anti after fire solenoid. If you want to eliminate it you can replace it with plug part # 807723 and sealing washer part # 690724 or you can just cut the plunger off the solenoid and reinstall it.

Just went through that exercise on my green one. Guess I can do the yellow one too. Timing is just not great.

I'll give the tank a good cleaning and replace the bungs and fuel lines.

Thanks.

Jbo