Triumph Repair: Car stalls, fuel pressure gauge, triumph spitfire 1500

Question
I have a 1976 Triumph Spitfire 1500.  The car turns over and can start easily.  The problem is when I push the gas pedal the car sputters and stalls.  What should I do?

Answer
Hi Lon,
You symptom is useless for diagnosis as that can be caused by a thousand things. You need to run some tests to find what is wrong.

First is a simple test with a can of spray starting fluid available at any auto parts store.

Start the engine and just as you open the throttle spray a couple of sprays into the air intake. If the engine tries to rev up with the spray added then you know it is fuel related.

If so, remove the top of the carb and look at the diaphragm to see if there are any holes or tares in it. If it is ok, put a "T" in the fuel line close to the carburetor and attach a fuel pressure gauge and note the pressure when it is idling. It should be from 1.5 to 3 PSI. If not check for a fuel filter and see if it is clogged. If not the fuel pump is suspect. But the fuel line and tank can also be stopped up.

Another test necessary is exhaust back pressure test. If it has a CAT it must be loosened from the front so if it is burned up and thus stopped up the pressure will be relieved and the engine will then rev up. Be careful as any fuel leaks are in danger of catching fire doing this.

Howard