Fuel System And Engine - Chevrolet 1971 Camaro Owner's Manual

The chart on the previous page, and the information on the pages
which follow, contains information designed to aid the average
driver to discover, and possibly correct, conditions resulting in minor
mechanical difficulties in his car. The chart, designed to point out
possible solutions to several of the most common automotive mal-
functions and point out a logical checking sequence, will lead step
by step to the most likely causes and corrective procedures. If, after
making the checks and adjustments suggested, the source of the
trouble has not been found and corrected, it is strongly recom-
mended that an Authorized Chevrolet Dealer inspect the vehicle and
make whatever repairs or adjustments are necessary.
FUEL SYSTEM AND ENGINE
If the ignition switch will cause the engine to "turn over" or
"crank" but the car will not start, check Steps A through D below.
NOTE: If continual "Rooding" of the carburetor is evidenced by a
carbur.tor wet with
fuel or
black exhaust
smoke,
perform the
operation
suggested in
paragraph D only.
(A) The first and most obvious,
and one of the most frequently
overlooked, items to check when
you have difficulty in sta rting you r
car is the amount . of fuel in the
tank. Make it a habit to check the
FUEL GAUGE regularly and most
especially
at
a time when the en-
gine will "turn over" but will not
start.
(8) If the fuel tank is noi empty,
you may cheek further to see
Checking Fllel Flow
69
whether the fuel is reaching the carburetor. Disconnect the fuel line
at the carburetor and remove the center wire (ground the secondary
coil terminal or disconnect the primary wire from the coil to the
distributor at the coil) from the coil tower. Place a jar or cup under
the open line and briefly
"cronk" the engine by means of the
starter. If fuel spurts from the fitting, you may assume that the FUEL
LINES are clear and the FUEL PUMP is operating properly. If no
fuel leaves the line, either the fuel
lines or fuel pump are at fault.
See . your Authorized Chevrolet
Dealer.
(C) Before reconnecting the fuel
line to the carburetor, remove the
FUEL FILTER from the carburetor
inlet and check its condition. If it
appears to be clean, replace
it
and reconnect the fuel line. Re-
place the filter if it appears to be
plugged.
(D) If the fuel seems to be
reaching the carburetor properly,
File' Fllt.r
the problem may be: an EMPTY CARBURETOR BOWL caused by a
"stuck shut" carburetor; a FLOODED CARBURETOR caused by
a
"stuck open" condition and evidenced by gasoline seeping around
and down the outside of the carburetor; or a stuck CHOKE valve.
Remove the air cleaner from the carburetor. Check that the choke
valve moves freely and is not stuck. (Don't mistake normal spring
tension for a stuck valve.) Tap the side of the carburetor sharply
several times with a light tool such as a screwdriver handle or
pliers. Replace the air cleaner and attempt to start the engine in
the normal manner.