Sputtering out while driving...

[O'ahuPinz]

Howsit,
The other week I was running my pinz all day up in the mountains. When I was returning home late afternoon I hit stop and go traffic during rush hour. After awhile of inching along the Pinz started idling sporadically, sputtered, and died. When I restarted it, I kept revving the engine but when I eased on the throttle it choked and died - no power, just died on the spot. Luckily my co-pilot was young and strong cause he pushed me out of traffic twice.

I tried choking it and running it like that for a little to no avail. Finally I found a spot where I could pull off and give the engine a rest. After about a half an hour I tried starting it again with the choke but it idled hard and died. After several attempts, I got it going - still running rough - as I went I pushed in the choke and it smoothed out and ran me all the way home without a hitch.

Does anyone have any idea what that could have been? I am no mechanic but I know some really good ones. If anyone can offer some advice, I can relay that info to a capable mechanic.

Another thing I noticed which might be related is that after driving it for awhile it progressively becomes more difficult to start back up again. It will cra-a-a-a-ank and then turn over...maybe. When starting it in the morning there's no problem at all. It starts strong and runs smooth it only starts giving problems after running for awhile. Again, if anyone has any ideas they would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.

[karoja]

Have you disconnected the fuel line at the carb and checked if it squirts fuel when cranking? If it doesn't, its the fuel filter or fuel pump. Just had that problem recently.

[edzz]

My bet would be the fuel filter.

Ed

[Pinzgauer Pete]

yup am guessing it is a fuel issue go with the cheapest thing first, the filter...after that a fuel pump pressure test would be in order...if I am not mistaken the pump should put out 3-5 psi

[Kaweeka]

need a mechanic - call John Martin at HAWAIIAN DESIGNS (ph 235-5197). Maybe if you buy a canoe he will share the name and number of his mechanic (who makes house calls!) . . .

[michaelh712]

Also, look to the simple things first before reaching to replace the fuel pump. Check the ends of the fuel lines; both before and after the pump and look for cracks. Subtle cracks in the fuel line at the ends allow air to be sucked into the fuel line and also look like fuel starvation. Remedy: cut about an inch off the ends and reconnect. Ask me how I know...

[michaelh712]

Also, look to the simple things first before reaching to replace the fuel pump. Check the ends of the fuel lines; both before and after the pump and look for cracks. Subtle cracks in the fuel line at the ends allow air to be sucked into the fuel line and also look like fuel starvation. Remedy: cut about an inch off the ends and reconnect. Ask me how I know...

[pinzinator]

Check the fuel solenoids and look for a popped breaker. I think the correct fuel pressure is 1.5 lbs.

[karoja]

Blowing into the line into the tank is also a good first meassure, just to be sure.

[edzz]

As I understand the manual fuel pressure should be 0.3 bar = 4.351 pound/square inch.

Ed

[O'ahuPinz]

You guys are awesome! I guess I came to the right place. When I have time within the next week, I'll check the fuel lines and the fuel filter. I will be sure to let you know how it goes. Mahalo nui!