Hello All,

I recently purchased a non-running 1980 450 SEL from a family friend, it sat for a few years and it isn't getting fuel. If I spray starting fluid in the intake, it will run for a few seconds.... Any thoughts?

So my question is where is the fuel pump safety switch? I heard this can be the culprit???

I tried to move the flapper (sorry, can't think of the correct term right now) in the intake since I heard that will cause the fuel pump to run (with the key on). Is this supposed to be spring loaded? I had to use needle nose to pull it up after pushing it down?

Any words of wisdom would be greatly appreciated!!!!!!!!!!!

The first question is why was the car parked? Was the engine running then?

Fuel pumps on these cars are gravity fed, all the varnish will end up in the pump locking it up. Check for 12V while cranking at the pump. You can also provide power to the pump to test ( the pump should have a + and - on it )

Read up on Bosch K jet / CIS systems. The flow meter flap should return by it's self. The fuel distributor can be removed and the fuel plunger cleaned with carb cleaner.

Gas will go bad after about a year. Drain the gas and put in new gas.

Here is some info on gas going bad...
Can gas really go bad? - CNN.com