Rob,
Put a few more gallons in the tank and leave the cap off when you start
it. My '81 wouldn't start after a new tank job because it was
developing a vacuum in the tank before the return fuel could get back
to the tank. Run some Techron through it too, can't hurt.

Roger

On Mar 26, 2007, at 10:29 PM, Rob Campbell wrote:

> Hello-
>
> 87 Westy here.
>
> tonight I was trapped in unexpected traffic for 2 hours (accident on
> LAs 710) and ended up running out of gas.  Amazingly this happened
> right near my home, so I was able to restart and limp home.  Got a
> gallon of gas, and it started up very roughly.   I figured it must
> have pulled up all the gunk at the bottom of the gas tank, so I
> thought I would fill it up and add some cleaner and consider next
> steps.  Well, now it won't start at all.
>
> It turns over, but stepping on the gas produces a strange "thump"
> sound that feels like its right under the pedal.  Going to the engine
> and pulling the throttle doesn't work either.
>
> I'm assuming that somehow the gas is not flowing.  Blocked filter,
> pump, injectors?  Which of these can I easily check, being a novice?
> I would ideally like to get it at least drivable to a mechanic.
> Should I try adding more clean gas?  Try some additives?  Is the fuel
> filter visually inspectable?
>
> As an extention, are there any LA-area (Silverlake) mechanic-types who
> would make a housecall sometime this week or weekend?  I'd really like
> to avoid towing.
>
> thanks
>
> rob campbell
> 87 westy
> los angeles
>