Hey guys,
I have a 1984 245 m46 and a 1987 745 gle m46- both with engine problems at this time- the 240 I describe here.

I was trying to go through a light at a turn, and was already coasting, so I let the clutch out to get going faster, and it felt like I had popped the clutch out to fast because it almost died. I pushed the clutch back in and I think the rpms went some of the way back up to idle, but still no power when I released the clutch. I barely make it through the turn light and am going straight on the side of the road, trying to give it gas to get it to kick up again. It was just barely idling- really slow. Like Dub dub dub dub.

It's never happened to me before, but this sounds like I ran out of gas. However, the gauge was just above the red area. I also returned with a gallon of gas and put it into the tank- the car wouldn't restart- although it would try.

What in the faq should I be looking at? How do I test basic things like spark? I've heard not to touch the spark plug to the head of the block when cranking because of shock risk. How do I check fuel- remove an injector?

I haven't done any engine work on my cars yet- necessity will force me to.

Thanks,
Nathan

Hello Nate, I would definitely take sdol advice before you trust me completely with my suggestion... this sounds quite familiar to me. My car is an auto. tranny though. When my car was on 1/2 tank of gas it would do this, which came to conclusion of bad prepump (in the fuel tank). I know you said that your car's tank was full, so I'm not exactly sure... like i said to take his advice before getting into the gas tank. Good Luck and hope things turn out
--
Michael 'Street'... one AZ '85 244DL 185K miles

What I have done in the past in situations like this where I did not know if it was a spark or fuel delivery problem was to take off the hose that goes from the flame trap to the intake manifold and spray in some carb cleaner. If it starts and runs for awhile, then you have spark. From what you describe it soulds like a fuel delivery problem. check all fuses including the 25 amp blade fuse under the hood, anb fuel relays. It also could be your prepump located in the gas tank. If your car runs ok with a full tank but gives you problems when it is less tan 1/2 tank, it is probaly the pre pump.

The car works just fine with the gas tank more than half full. I'll be drawing a new red line on the gas guage about half way. Seriously though, I'll replace the pre-pump before my mother sells the thing.

Thanks,
Nathan