Troubleshooting: 2.0 won't stay running Options

[Nate]

Hey everyone! Hope you are all preparing for a nice thanksgiving.

Wanted to see what ideas you guys had about my original FI 2.0 from 73. Some of you may have seen a few other threads of mine but I'll give a little synopsis. I rebuild the motor in my garage. New Pistons and cylinders, all new bearings, lifters. Ground crank and cam. Heads rebuilt by a reputable shop. For the rest of the car. New fuel lines, cleaned and coated fuel tank. New fuel filter. Cleaned and flow matched fuel injectors. Rebuilt distributor. Tuned dwell angle and set static timing.

So I've done all of that and the car won't stay running. It'll start and run for 20 seconds with a high idle (approximately 2500 rpm's) and then it will die even if I'm feathering the throttle.

I'm looking for ideas as to what and how to troubleshoot the car. IF this car was a person I'd strangle it to relieve my frustration.

P.S. I went through the ecu harness and ohm'd everything out and there are no shorts in the wiring and the grounds are solid. I also replaced the throttle position switch and have that set up according to the book and have messed with the idle mixture knob a bit.
Anyone have any ideas on where I should go from here?

Thanks and I wish everyone a good safe holiday.

[Nate]

I have not bench tested the fuel pump but I can see it pumping fuel through the clear fuel filter while cranking the motor. I will look into the fuel relays. Thanks for the tip. I have not had a chance to check fuel pressure as I don't have the necessary apparatus and haven't built one yet.

[saigon71]

I have not bench tested the fuel pump but I can see it pumping fuel through the clear fuel filter while cranking the motor. I will look into the fuel relays. Thanks for the tip. I have not had a chance to check fuel pressure as I don't have the necessary apparatus and haven't built one yet.

Fuel pressure test should show if the pump is working properly. I picked up a kit at Harbor Freight for less than $15 (I think) to check fuel pressure. Just pull the bolt out of the drivers side fuel rail and hook up the gauge.

Keep us posted on what you find out.

[pvollma]

I picked up a kit at Harbor Freight for less than $15 (I think) to check fuel pressure.

I'm interested in adding a pressure tester to my toolbox. Is this the Harbor Freight pressure tester you referenced?

Fuel Injection Pump Tester

However, the description states that it does not work with Bosch systems.

[saigon71]

I picked up a kit at Harbor Freight for less than $15 (I think) to check fuel pressure.

I'm interested in adding a pressure tester to my toolbox. Is this the Harbor Freight pressure tester you referenced?

Fuel Injection Pump Tester

However, the description states that it does not work with Bosch systems.

Just checked...That's exactly the one I bought. I just used a hose clamp on the fuel rail and used the supplied fittings up to the gauge.

It did what I needed it to do. Maybe they are referring to newer Bosch FI systems?