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What have I gotten myself into, I can't keep her running!

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Old 01-25-2012, 02:22 AM
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What have I gotten myself into, I can't keep her running!

Finally starting to post on Yotatech!

A little back story, I used to drive around a really reliable Acura for a daily. I then got the bright idea of getting rid of that for something more fun. Something out of my comfort zone. So I bought a 1984 extended cab. I figured I would buy it and fix it for cheap. I thought it was a great idea, my dad on the other hand not so much. I have to get this thing running before he says, "I told you so".

Back story, I bought it from a guy that said it had been sitting for 6 months. I've replaced the plugs, oil, and cleaned the air filter so far.

Problem one:

The trans will not shift into gears, it's just stuck in the gear. I've replaced the clutch master and slave with new OEM units. Still the same problem, so it's not the clutch. Trans done? I hope not.

Problem two:

The truck will not run, if I spray some starter fluid into the carb. It will run for a split second. After that it just dies. I'm thinking it could be the fuel pump or fuel filter. Is it a manual pump or electrical pump? Anyone have any other ideas?

Old 01-25-2012, 05:12 AM
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Thats not a bad looking truck. I dont know what to tell you about the tranny. Is it stuck in gear?

Have you checked for fuel, compression and spark? Thats where i would start. I have a feeling if its been sitting for awhile your gonna need a carb rebuild but start checki g the easy stuff first.

Have you checked com



As far as the running issue, have you checked to make sure you are getting fuel and spark? I have a feeling if its been sitting for awhile you are gonna need a carb rebuild but make sure you have com
Old 01-25-2012, 05:13 AM
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Damn iphone, it posted 3 times cuz my finger kept hittin the wrong button
Old 01-25-2012, 05:19 AM
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^^I can relate. 90% of my pOsts are from my iPhone.

If it has a mechanical fuel pump it will be on the front/left side of the head as you are looking at the engine...

Never hauled a car before? Next time route the straps correctly..please..
Old 01-25-2012, 05:22 AM
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Originally Posted by dropzone
^^I can relate. 90% of my pOsts are from my iPhone.

If it has a mechanical fuel pump it will be on the front/left side of the head as you are looking at the engine...

Never hauled a car before? Next time route the straps correctly..please..
Thanks for fixing that for me
Old 01-25-2012, 05:47 AM
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Really nice looking, actually! Provided you have a solid (no rust holes) frame, that's something you could work with.

I'd suggest you download the Factory Service Manual (FSM), links to it abound on here. AND get the Haynes manual....it will show you where everything is.

Like said above, you need fuel, air, compression and spark to fire her up. Probably sat more than 6 mos...could even have a mouse nest in the carb! You can check for fuel delivery/pressure, look it up in the FSM. And search on here; there are MANY posts you'll find just like yours!

Do you have a 'mechanic friend'? That would help, at least to find out why it won't stay running. There is a lot to cover....spark: wires, plugs, cap/rotor/coil. Carb: plugged? No fuel pressure? How's the compression, Etc. But much of that can be done pretty fast if you know where to look. The 'stuck in gear' thing doesn't bode too well, in my noob opinion. But if you got it cheap, it's not a 'fatal thing'....

Stick with it, you'll get her going!
Old 01-25-2012, 06:11 AM
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Your truck is an IFS w/ square tubs, sure its an '84?

Clutch could be locked up, I think you mean the shift lever doesn't move, which means disassembly.

What is the engine and intake? Need some more info here.
Old 01-25-2012, 06:27 AM
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Originally Posted by skypilot
Your truck is an IFS w/ square tubs, sure its an '84?
When did they start using leaf springs on the front of ifs rigs?
Old 01-25-2012, 06:43 AM
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Nice truck. But like drop zone said, run your straps properly. Having them run over those edges is like putting a knife under them.
Old 01-25-2012, 07:02 AM
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Don't let your dad be right! You bought an awesome truck. No matter how gone it was, you can always bring these trucks back. I started with a truck that had been sitting since 2001. I drained the old gas, changed all the filters, most importantly the inline fuel filter by the fuel fill spout. Got rid of my stock carb (and all the emissions stuff) and replaced it w/ a Weber. Think of it like this: fuel, air, and fire (spark) is all you need to make these guys run. The fact that it fires with some gas down the carb tells me you have the spark and you need the fuel and air. A carb rebuild or a aftermarket you do ya good!
Old 01-25-2012, 07:17 AM
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looks shockingly similar to my truck. warn hubs and all haha except I have efi
Old 01-25-2012, 07:26 AM
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Hey bryy how do I get a pic up like you just posted? I'm a little new to this. Mine is an'84 also and I'd like to show it off.
Old 01-25-2012, 07:31 AM
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I just up loaded it to photobucket and then copied the img link and posted
Old 01-25-2012, 08:20 AM
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https://www.yotatech.com/members/tre...-img-0886.html
Old 01-25-2012, 08:22 AM
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https://www.yotatech.com/members/tre...t-img-0489.jpg
Old 01-25-2012, 01:29 PM
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Sorry about the straps, that's how the owner of the trailer told me how to do it.

I went and unhooked the line that goes from the pump to the carb. I cranked it over a few times and no fuel came out. So I'm pretty sure that I am not getting fuel. I don't think it is spark or compression because it will run for 1 or 2 seconds with starter fluid.

I bought a Autozone Airtex fuel pump, should I run it or get something else?
Old 01-25-2012, 02:32 PM
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Use the airtex pump to get started with. See if that atleast gets it started. Good Luck and report back.
Old 01-25-2012, 02:57 PM
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nice lookin truck you got there
Old 01-25-2012, 03:01 PM
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Fail.
Old 01-25-2012, 03:17 PM
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nice truck. mechanical fuel pump i assume? if you have compressed air you can give the line to the gas tank a shot with the gas cap off to make sure it is not plugged, listen for bubbles.. did you bench bleed the master cyl? bleed out ok? details...and welcome to yotatech. i have an integra as my dd and my yota is a black 88 efi. when you get it squared away it should be as dependable as the acura and your dad can ride with you when it snows...lol.


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