1981 CA emission package fuel issue when hot
Thread Starter
2nd Gear
Joined: Aug 2025
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
1981 CA emission package fuel issue when hot
New to this car. Drove through town this afternoon, 90 degrees stop and go traffic, and about 20 minutes in the car seemed to run out of fuel. I gave it a shot of ether and it started up and after a bit of coaxing, ran better and got home. Im thinking the fuel in the carb bowl 'percolated' and the ether helped get cooler fuel back in carb. I did note a bit of vacuum release when I opened the fuel cap. Im thinking the ethanol based fuel boils at a lower temp making it more vulnerable to this. I will also check the heat riser valve. I assume a base insulator would help? Any other thoughts? Thanks!
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 11,947
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From: Virginia
Bump since it's looks like no one else has replied yet.
Does your car still have the ECU (working), the original computer controlled carb, and the 7-pin module in the distributor (no vacuum advance can)?
Before you tear anything up, can you please take some photos of the top of your engine from all sides with the air cleaner assembly removed?
Welcome to the Forum!
Does your car still have the ECU (working), the original computer controlled carb, and the 7-pin module in the distributor (no vacuum advance can)?
Before you tear anything up, can you please take some photos of the top of your engine from all sides with the air cleaner assembly removed?
Welcome to the Forum!
Thread Starter
2nd Gear
Joined: Aug 2025
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
I will post photos shortly and thank you. The motor is bone stock and CA emissions package, with ECU and computer controlled carb, and 7-pin dizzy. I was considering a carb and delco old style dizzy swap. Ill take and post pics this weekend. Thanks!
