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Saab: When engine hot, fuel doesnt inject, inner fender, saab 900


Question
Hi Richard, I have a 1985 Saab 900.  Recently I started having a problem whereby when the engine gets hot (like after driving it for 30 - 40 minutes) it begins to sputter and cough as if it is running out of gas. However, the gas tank is more than 1/2 full when this occurs.  No amount of pumping the gas pedal causes any change. The car barely moves and it literally dies as if it is out of gas.  If I let it sit overnight or for several hours, it starts up and runs fine for 30 - 40 minutes before having the same scenario.  I have a feeling that it's something with my fuel tank or fuel injection, but there is nothing in the manual covering this.  Any advice?  Thanks much, Vanessa

Answer
Unless you have recently, I would start by replacing your fuel filter. You might also check to see if the breather on the tank is operating properly by running the car with the gas cap off.
If your 900 is a lambda equipped car, I would also check to make sure the pulse valve is buzzing at the front left inner fender just forward of the fuel distributor. With the key on you should hear it buzzing. There will be one hard fuel line coming from the top and one hard line coming from the bottom, making a loop from the fuel distributor.