| Author |  Topic  |
skog96
Starting Member
USA
13 Posts |  Posted - 23 Mar 2017 : 23:34:21  
| newbie owner with a newbie post about newbie problems.
I haven't done any sleuthing as yet, but I'd appreciate thoughts.
my new baby - '72 96 V4, 1.7 all stock as far as I know - runs great. starts right up, idle's smoothly. But twice now when the tank has gotten low it's cuts in/out then dies. the first time after coasting off the freeway it started right back up and got me home no problem. ran another day without issue then quit again. fuel gauge works somewhat, slow to register change and variable on hills of course, but I never got to E, never got a warning light. When I filled the tank it only took 8.2 US gal. After that she ran fine for 100miles. then with the gauge reading just under 1/2 the same thing. acted like it was out of gas. pushed it in to the station and filled the tank with 6.35 US gal. again once the lines were full again I'm running again with no problems.
It is starting to heat up here 80deg F. but it doesn't feel like classic vapor lock. but if it was would having a full tank add enough pressure to overcome vapor lock?
First test will be checking the fuel pump, but does anyone else have any ideas?
Thanks! |
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Joshinator99
Starting Member
USA
39 Posts | Posted - 24 Mar 2017 : 02:21:11
| I wonder if you've got crud in the fuel tank? Running low might be sending some of it into the system. Could pull the fuel pump and see if it's dirty inside?
1972 Sonett III |  |
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melle
V4 Guru
United Kingdom
3833 Posts | Posted - 24 Mar 2017 : 10:37:18
| I think vapour lock is quite rare on 96s, all cases of suspected vapour lock I know of turned out to be other faults in the end. The tank could pull a vacuum if the vent is blocked; you could try running it without the fuel cap next time it dies.
www.saabv4.com | |
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melle
V4 Guru
United Kingdom
3833 Posts | Posted - 24 Mar 2017 : 10:55:16
| Welcome to the forum by the way!
www.saabv4.com | |
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chris steeden
V4 Fan
United Kingdom
163 Posts | |
skog96
Starting Member
USA
13 Posts | Posted - 24 Mar 2017 : 16:35:02
| Thanks all! I'll continue investigating and in the mean time remain zen - the tank is half full.
On a related note... what type of gas/octane rating do you all recommend feeding her?
'72 Verona 96 v4 "Amfibie" | |
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melle
V4 Guru
United Kingdom
3833 Posts | Posted - 24 Mar 2017 : 16:48:20
| Are you sure it's a 1.7? The 1.5HC was the standard engine for the 96 as far as I know, also in the States. 1.7LCs were fitted to Sonetts. A standard 1.7LC or 1.5HC should run fine on 95 RON (not sure if you use RON or MON ratings in the US?).
www.saabv4.com | |
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skog96
Starting Member
USA
13 Posts | Posted - 24 Mar 2017 : 18:09:22
| well....*slightly blushing*
I have not verified that. just going by the wiki and other (cant remember off the top of my head) statements that "The V4s used in US cars had a 1500 cc high compression engine with 73 hp (54 kW; 74 PS).[5] For the 1971 model year it was switched to a 1700 cc low compression engine, so as not to lose power while meeting new emissions regulations.[6] Stated power dropped to 65 hp (48 kW; 66 PS) for 1972 as SAE gross figures were abandoned in favor of the lower net ratings."
I'll have to check on the RON Vs MON. looks like some stations use a (R+M)/2 average. Then I also have to take Altitude in to account. I'm at 5000-ft.
'72 Verona 96 v4 "Amfibie" | |
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skog96
Starting Member
USA
13 Posts | Posted - 24 Mar 2017 : 18:25:19
| Also the Service Manual lists US cars as having the 1.7 as of 1971
'72 Verona 96 v4 "Amfibie" | |
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melle
V4 Guru
United Kingdom
3833 Posts | Posted - 24 Mar 2017 : 18:44:03
| You could very well be right! If you want to be sure, check the engine code above the engine number on on the front of the deck (near-side); 1.5HC is EY, 1.7LC is MX.
www.saabv4.com |
Edited by - melle on 24 Mar 2017 18:46:32 | |
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skog96
Starting Member
USA
13 Posts | Posted - 30 Mar 2017 : 21:33:52
| ok - update time:
first melle, I don't see markings like you describe. On the front of the engine, left side, I see a stamp of FoMoCo, 11426071, III/3
I'm leaning towards the vent/vacuum problem. the pump output seems fine but Ive created more work for myself. I tested the fuel pump output which seems to be in the right neighborhood and put out a good stream. but I put the pressure gauge T in place of the fuel filter, and apparently after running the engine for less than a minute was enough to send a load of rust particles and crud from the tank into the carb. I put a new filter in place and the car ran fine for a trip to the store, but the trip home was plagued with rough running and stalling at the lights. so now I guess there is a carb cleaning in my future, as well as reconditioning the tank. sheesh. So I might as well ask...any words of wisdom on those tasks?
'72 Verona 96 v4 "Amfibie" | |
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pchristy
V4 Guru
United Kingdom
1790 Posts | Posted - 06 Apr 2017 : 08:51:14
| One other thing worth checking is the fuel pump pushrod. Mine had become covered in a sticky coating of old oil that prevented it moving freely. The resulting reduced stroke reduced the fuel pressure to the point where the engine would often cut out going uphill! Th same might happen when the level drops in the tank!
WARNING: The pushrod has one end case hardened, and this needs to go in first, against the cam. Fitting it the other way around will result in rapid wear!
It took me a long time to find the problem when it occurred on my car.... 
--
Pete
"Duct tape is like the Force: It has a light side and a dark side, and it binds the Universe together!" | |
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skog96
Starting Member
USA
13 Posts | Posted - 08 Apr 2017 : 21:26:45
| Thanks Pete! That's a distinct possibility - is disassembly and cleaning of the pump a viable option or should I just go with a new pump? Of course id rather not have to buy a new one if the old is more or less working and can be cleaned up without ruining it. I guess my fear would be tearing the diaphragm.
'72 Verona 96 v4 "Amfibie" | |
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melle
V4 Guru
United Kingdom
3833 Posts | Posted - 08 Apr 2017 : 21:34:59
| If you would tear the diaphragm it means it was on the way out anyway, they should be sturdy enough material. It depends on the type of fuel pump you if the diaphragm can be replaced (if you can find the right material to make one that is).
www.saabv4.com | |
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skog96
Starting Member
USA
13 Posts | Posted - 08 Apr 2017 : 21:58:51
| Well, I may have partially answered my own question. According to the there was a fuel pump design change somewhere in 1972. The earlier models could be disassembled and cleaned and a new diaphragm installed. Later pumps had a sealed pump body and could not be disassembled. So now Ill have to figure out which one I've got. My car came off the line in Sept 1971.
'72 Verona 96 v4 "Amfibie" |
Edited by - skog96 on 08 Apr 2017 22:00:53 | |
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melle
V4 Guru
United Kingdom
3833 Posts | Posted - 08 Apr 2017 : 22:10:05
| You might also find it has an after-market pump fitted.
www.saabv4.com | |
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| Topic | |
Fuel Starvation
