I couldn't pass up a deal I found on a 1972 142E. It has been sitting for 3 years, but supposedly ran fine when it was parked. At $50, hiring a tow truck to cart it home was more expensive than the car. I have purchased a Haynes manual for the car, and am currently taking on the first order of business, cleaning out the fuel system.

I have taken out the fuel pump and the fuel filter. The fuel pump was not operating, but I took it apart and cleaned it out and it seems to be fine now. I pulled the fuel line at the engine and blew any gas out the back where the fuel filter was hooked into the fuel system. I have ordered the POR-15 Fuel Tank Repair Kit. I will be removing the fuel tank when the kit arrives to begin the kit process.

I began assessing if the relays, etc. were operational, or if I might need to replace them. So with the fuel pump removed, and no fuel in the system, I cycled the relays to see if they worked. I had assumed that the fuel pump relay would turn the fuel pump on, as the pressure sensor should be telling the control unit it needs more pressure, and the control unit would tell the fuel pump relay to kick on the fuel pump. However, each time I connect the battery, the fuel pump relay sends 12 volts to the fuel pump only for a few seconds, then shuts the fuel pump down. This could either be a fail-safe, or indicative of a malfunctioning part. Thoughts?

Thanks,
Justin Chomel
Austin, TX