Attempting a deflood on an 85 FB that cranks and turns but won't catch.

I've pulled the plugs and I'm letting it air out.

The pics show the plugs.

The two dirtiest plugs are from the two front ports.

In the pic of the four plugs the one with the oil is from the top front plug.

Any thoughts on the photos? How long should I air her out before I try starting and blowing out the chambers

 

you don't need to let it air out. just kill the fuel supply (pull the fuse) and crank it through a few revolutions with the plugs out.

once you've cleared the chambers, then you can clean the plugs and dry them. (i usually use heat.) re-install them and try to fire it.

 

Going to pick it up again tomorrow.

Most replies seem to be saying the same thing.

One suggestion was possible bad fuel pump. When I turn the key and listen behind thr driver's seat (inside and outside) I don't hear the pump running.

I've been told it should always be running if the car in 'on' and I should be able to hear it.

Thoughts?

 

how i heard it, pump doesn't run in 'on' position, only during cranking. oil pressure sensor wire to that control module in pass foot well, senses oil pressure and in turn energizes the fuel pump.

 

I've been informed that you are correct...for 13B motors; and, 12A pumps run once the key is turned.

 

Pulled the main fuel line from the carb.

First pic was with key 'on'. No fuel; so, I guess that answers that.

Second pic is while cranking, fuel is a flowin. So, I guess that answer that question.

I've cranked it a few times for 10 - 15 seconds. I saw the fuel mist from the open plug ports.

Now what?

 

Some 12A pumps run only when cranking as well, like yours as you discovered. I believe the change was made in 84, but don't quote me. It's 83 or 84.

I'm not familiar with the later series fuse box, but there should be a fuse for the pump or engine or something. In my SA I have one fuse that kills everything engine related (ignition, fuel, etc.). Try to actually disable the fuel pump, especially if your ignition system is disconnected but not disabled - wouldn't want to ignite that big container of fuel sitting on top of the engine.

Anyway, you want to be cranking with the plugs out until there isn't much of anything coming out of the spark plug holes. Since it's carbed it will still be drawing in some fuel from the bowls (ideally you should be flooring it while deflooding so that it can breath), but the spray due to the carb coming from the plug holes will be minimal. It's a good idea to put some rags opposite the holes as well to catch whatever fuel/oil flies out from the main flood, although it looks like may already be past that point.

Once the worst of it is out, put back in the spark plugs (clean them first) and reconnect/enable the ignition system. If you can crank it without fuel - but with spark - for a little bit that can sometimes help to clear out anything left over. After that plug in the fuel pump again and try to start it; in theory it should catch.