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Welcome to FordPinto.com, The home of the PCCA => General Help- Ask the Experts... => Topic started by: FixinTheWifesCar on August 24, 2012, 07:06:25 PM

Title: Putting a 75 wagon on the road after 3 years parked.
Post by: FixinTheWifesCar on August 24, 2012, 07:06:25 PM
We parked my wife's car close to 3 years ago after the transmission cooler line cracked in the radiator.  It was my intention to sell it, but she kept putting it off so it sat there until now when her daily driver gave up the ghost.  Every once in a while I would start the pinto and let it run for a bit just to keep things moving, but that's all I did with it.   As a result the tank has been run dry a couple of times.  The last time I started it was a couple of months back and I backed it up onto a slope which caused the little bit of fuel in the tank to shift to the back, killing the engine.  Today I towed it up to a better angle hoping that would help it get fuel.  I've added a gallon or two into the tank and tried to start it.  No luck.  It will start with fuel added to the carb, but once that's gone, it dies again.  I tried turning it to a nose down attitude instead of nose up in the driveway, but it made no difference.  I'm wondering if I've clogged the fuel filter or what I did that's causing the problem.  Also, could anyone offer advice as to what I need to do to safely get it back on the road.  I know the radiator will need to be replaced and the cooling and transmission systems flushed and refilled and hoses checked and replaced if needed, but other than that I'm pretty clueless.  Any advice would be helpful.  Thanks in advance.

Aaron
Title: Re: Putting a 75 wagon on the road after 3 years parked.
Post by: Fred Morgan on August 24, 2012, 08:19:45 PM
Aaron make sure tank gauge reads above empty. Remove metal line near carb instal 5/16" fuel hose on it direct into can outside of engine compartment to see if fuel pump is working after you add some fuel to carb to start. I have a rad. for $65.00 + ship.  Fred   :)
Title: Re: Putting a 75 wagon on the road after 3 years parked.
Post by: FixinTheWifesCar on August 24, 2012, 10:29:18 PM
Fred, I knew about the gauge reading above empty thing.  I KNEW it, but it has been probably 4 or 5 years since I had it touch E and run out on me driving down the road.  I just forgot it.  Despite having put some fuel into it the gauge is reading E.  I'll have to wander down to the station with my can and get some more to see if that solves it.  BTW, how much do you charge for shipping to 97048?
Title: Re: Putting a 75 wagon on the road after 3 years parked.
Post by: FixinTheWifesCar on August 25, 2012, 01:17:09 PM
Now I feel like a total tool.  I dumped about 3 gallons in the tank, went in the house to get coffee and came out to my driveway smelling like a fuel station.  Looked under the car to find that the patch I had put on the fuel tank nearly 5 years back had come loose.  It was a stop gap measure and was not put on properly to begin with.  I just forgot to drain the tank and do it right.  The car is up on stands now so I can repair the tank after which I will fuel it up and try again.  Still very interested in that radiator though.

Aaron

Never overlook the obvious!
Title: Re: Putting a 75 wagon on the road after 3 years parked.
Post by: FixinTheWifesCar on August 25, 2012, 04:02:04 PM
1.  Patch tank
2.  Add fuel
3.  Turn key
4.  Car starts..... I'll be damned

Next up replace radiator, check hoses and belts, and flush systems. 
Title: Re: Putting a 75 wagon on the road after 3 years parked.
Post by: r4pinto on August 25, 2012, 07:15:40 PM
Nice! You have any pics of the car?
Title: Re: Putting a 75 wagon on the road after 3 years parked.
Post by: Pinto5.0 on August 26, 2012, 05:00:03 PM
I'd have Fred send you a fuel tank too......
Title: Re: Putting a 75 wagon on the road after 3 years parked.
Post by: FixinTheWifesCar on August 27, 2012, 12:17:36 AM
Probably a good idea, but I can only afford to do one thing at a time.  The last time I patched it I used the same material and it lasted for several years.  I'll replace the tank, but for now......