Engine shut off while idling will not start?

1966 MERCURY MONTEREY
48,000 MILES • 7.0L • V8 • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
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DAVEM16
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Hello,

I was cruising around and pulled over to talk to a friend that was walking, we talked for 5 minutes while the car was running. I got in to leave and the car sputtered and shut off. I tried to start it back up and it turned over but would not start. I let it sit for 5 more minutes and nothing, we tried jumping it and that didn't work. I unplugged the fuel filter, and it was fine, it seemed as if no gas was getting into the carburetor. So finally, after an hour I had to call a tow truck to tow it home. I had just put half a tank of gas, so I was good there. It has a 428cj, I don't know where to start. I have never had issues with the car not starting before. Thank you for all your help!
Jun 16, 2024 at 10:26 AM
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STRAILER
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Sure, we need to figure out if the problem is start or fuel, but can I ask how the engine sounds while cranking over? I have seen a timing chain let go which will cause this problem. If you want to upload a short video of the engine cranking over, I will be able to tell if the engine is hurt or not, but you can also do a compression test as well.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-test-engine-compression

Next, remove the air filter and try a little bit of starting fluid, and then crank it over to see if anything changes, if not let's check for spark. this video will help you:

https://youtu.be/baq_aEWNQ0Y?si=9xF8SBmzY9JRtw0o

Please go over these guides and get back to us.
Jun 16, 2024 at 1:14 PM
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DAVEM16
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I took the air filter off and put a water bottle cap of gas in the carburetor and it wanted to start but didn't. The carburetor felt dry when I touched it. It sounds like it's out of gas, but I did put half a tank of gas 20 minutes before it shut off on me.
Jun 17, 2024 at 10:01 AM
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STRAILER
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The engine sounds good so I don't think the timing chain jumped, I would pull a spark plug wire and have a helper crank the engine over while you watch for spark, please watch the video in the post above. Keep your hands away will testing. Thanks for the videos, they help. Let me know what you find.
Jun 17, 2024 at 11:58 AM
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DAVEM16
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I checked it for a spark, and it sparks. I will say, that made me a little nervous.
Jun 17, 2024 at 1:56 PM
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STRAILER
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Good job, the problem must be fuel then, I would remove the air filter lid and use starting fluid to see if it will run. If you don't feel like you can do it, please take it into a garage for expert help.

Please go over this guide as well:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/car-not-running-advanced

Let us know what you find.
Jun 18, 2024 at 10:40 AM
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DAVEM16
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I tried starting fluid and it sounded like it wanted to start, it turned over for a few seconds then shut off. I want to try to fix it myself before I take it to a garage. My dad taught me a little, but he passed away a few years ago, so I would like to do it myself. If it's something that's beyond ability, then I will take it to a garage.
Jun 18, 2024 at 2:13 PM
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STRAILER
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I am sorry to hear about your dad, let's remove the air filter so we can get at the fuel line going to the carburetor, I would use a fuel pressure gauge and have a fire extinguisher ready because fuel is flammable so be careful and safe. The fuel pressure should be about 5 PSI. Make sure there is no open ignition wires. If you are not comfortable take the car into a shop.
Jun 19, 2024 at 10:41 AM