Toyota newbie needs fuel problem help

[fspell2200]

Hi, I've tried searching the internet and this forum and couldn't find anything on what I'm having trouble with, which is why I became a member of this forum. I just bought a 1987 Toyota fx. It has the 1.6 SOHC. It took me forever just to find that information. Mileage is 121,090 w/5 speed. The problem is it will not start. Previous owner said it was the fuel pump. For $200.00 I just went ahead and bought the car. Got it home sprayed starting fluid in carb, and it runs excellent until it burns all of the starting fluid off. Replaced the fuel pump, which is mechanical, easy. Still the same symptoms. I even bought a carb kit and rebuilt the carb. No go. So I was just wondering what the heck is going on. It's getting plenty of gas to the carb and there is plenty of gas in the bowl when I look through the sight glass. I just don't understand. Please lead me in the right direction. If it matters none of the fuses are blown, all electrial components on the carb are connected to their harneses and all vacuum lines are connected. Thanks in advance.

[toyomoho]

Given the engine runs with starter fluid it would appear your ignition system is working OK.

The question is if the gas is able to get out of the carburetor. Toyota and other manufacturers carbs have electric solenoids that turn off the fuel flow at the jet plumbing. These prevent engine run and fuel flow into the engine when it is off.

Check to make sure the solenoid(s) are working. They can be removed, unplug the fuel pump, turn on the ignition key and see what happens. The pin valve should move in when power is applied. The carb may have more then one.

If this system is OK, do a fuel flow test where the line runs into the carb. Might be able to even remove the top portion of the carb, jump-start the pump and see if fuel flows into the carb when the floats are low.

You should also be able to see fuel dripping out the carb venturi (but the solenoid needs to be on and working OK).

[fspell2200]

thanks for the prompt response. This/these solenoids you speak of, can they be tested with a digital volt meter and if so, what should they read if working correctly.

[fspell2200]

Well, I'm pretty sure it's not the solenoids. I've unplugged the connector and checked the input voltage which they are getting the correct amount of. There are two of them. I can also hear them click when I turn the key to the on position. There is also some type of sensor located near the bottom passenger side of the carb. It is a small silver cylinder with a black plastic nipple and a rubber boot on the end of the cylinder. Could anyone tell me if this electrical component would be causing the carb to not release the fuel. Also, I think there still may be a blockage in the carb since the motor is not getting fuel. What could I have missed when I rebuilt it? Basically what I'm asking is since the bowl has plenty of gas in it, where are some possible places for me to check for a blockage when I disassemble it (again). Please help me. Thanks.

[fspell2200]

Here's an update. I removed the carburetor again and disassembled it again. Turns out I missed something on the first rebuild. I completely overlooked removing the two jets from the carb. The secondary jet was fine, just a little surface varnish on it. The primary jet on the other hand was completely stopped up with hard buildup. I cleaned those, double checked the rest of carb, reassembled and installed in car. She fired right up, ran a little rough for about 5 min., then smoothed right out. So there it is, that was my problem. I hope this helps someone pin point carb related problems in the future. I now have a new problem that I've discovered now that I'm able to drive it, which I will start a new thread about. Thanks.

[GIBEYERSON]

I've been having similar fuel system problems. My car sat for 6 years and I had rust in the fuel line inside the tank at a bend right above the pick-up the old fuel settled in a bend. Each time I dropped the tank I would get a bunch of rust off the inside and clog the filter and line. If your tank is not venting a vapor lock can leave fuel in the filter and some in the carb but not enough. I thought my carb rebuild was faulty but the pump doesn't have enough power to suck from a restricted fuel line. That was why I had fuel in the flter but the carb was starving.

If I were you, I'd create an alternate fuel system, run a hose from a gas can to the pump inlet. See if you have a restriction in your fuel system.