1997 VT wont start. Giving me the s*&ts

[rayan]

I have just tried to start my VT and it has decided to crap itself. Luckily I am at home otherwise I would be extra upset!!!!

Can anyone tell me or have a guess at why it wont start.
It turns over OK so not a starter motor. Has petrol. Good. Had a new fuel pump put on in Nov.
When driving it splutters a bit. Power eases and then kicks in again. Feels like a surge.Mostly noticable up hill or on really smooth tar roads.
Last week on one of those stinking hot days it started Ok. I drove to town no problems. Turned it off briefly then tried to restart. It did the same as it is doing now. After a short break I tried again and got it going. Been going well all week until yesterday with the splutters.
The mechanic said it could have been fuel vapourising.This sounds like crap to me. I got him to drive it and the bugger didnt miss a beat.
I am a country girl who has had just about enough. Need a new car I am thinking.
Shouldnt really complain as it has done 360,000km with no problems until now.

[glowworm]

try the relay under the bonet on the drivers side ,,

[rayan]

What does that look like?
Come to think of it I have had an electrical hum from somewhere in the dash. Not loud. but when I mentioned it to the mechanic he didnt seem too concerned. Could it be linked to this problem?
I have been tempted just to smash everything with a hammer but I am now calming down.

[lout]

you need to check your fault codes sounds like crank angle sensor or coil packs

[rayan]

Wouldnt the indicator lights show something. All is normal obviously apart from the fact the bas%^rd wont actually start.
It did start briefly but was spluttering.
It is going in for a service tomorrow if I can get it there.I knew I should have done it today.Lesson learned!

[south21]

When you put a new fuel pump in did you replace the fuel filter ??

[rayan]

The mechanic did. Or atleast I paid for it.
I get it serviced every 10,000km. The idea is that they fix anything that isnt working. This must be too hard a task as often they just do the basics which I think I could do.
The reason I thought I would ask here is so when they try and spin crap I will have atleast some idea.
I am going to have to call the NRMA to get me started. How frustrating!!

[mickvandamage]

when you replaced the fuel pump did you replace just the pump or the whole cradle. the fuel pumps have a tendency to fail again if you dont replace the cradle as well. otherwise i'd be checking the fuel pump relay and fuse they tend to blow also. otherwise CAS sounds like a good bet too. there are heaps of reasons why a car wont start unfortunately. living in the country it may be your fuel too. or fuel line may be blocked to name a couple of things

[rayan]

I hope it is the fuel pump. Atleast it should have some kind of warranty. It was put in new in Nov/Dec.
I dont think its the fuel. Got the mechanic coming to get it in the morning.
Its the biggest problem living out of town. When your car dies thats it. You go nowhere.
It has been a great car but things are starting to fail. Might be time to get a new one.I cant afford to get stranded in the middle of nowhere with no phone coverage.
I think 360,000km is a pretty good effort. Might keep it for a spare. Not worth selling. Lucky to get $2000 for it.

Thanks for all the advise. Hopefully it can be fixed for now to get me by.

Not wanting to start an argument but I have a XE falcon station wagon that goes and goes. Done close to 600,000km on original motor though I am the only owner. Must admit it is currently in the shed needing a new battery. Poor banana mobile.Might be having to save me again.It has no air con which is very, very bad!