[T3] Notch starting problems

[TOASTEDT3@aol.com]

we've been having some starting problems with the Notch lately.  It happened 
once a few weeks ago and I blew it off to being low on gas and having just 
been through a 40 minute rush hour drive on LA Freeways.  It happened again 
today after having sat in the parking lot at work for 8+ hours.

car in question is a 71 notch with stock motor, stock tranny and original 
fuel injection.

when you turn the key, it gives it's usual few turns of the starter and then 
cranks over real fast a few times, almost starts, sputters and dies.  it 
kinda goes <chuuug chuug chug choochoochoochoo> the chugs are normal, but it 
usually starts by the time you get to the choochoo's.

After it didnt start I turned the key from the off position to right before 
you crank it and listened.  I've heard Jim talk about the 2 clicks before and 
I'm positive i know what they sound like.  Today I'm POSITIVE I  didnt hear 
the second click (which is more like a thud)and fairly positive I didnt hear 
the first either.  I got out, poked around all the wires, checked the engine, 
under dash and the voltage regulator under the back seat.  After pushing, 
wiggling and testing the wires to the voltage regualtor, I turned the keys 
again and heard both clicks.  Car started up fine and drove fine the entire 
way home.  Once home I turned the key a few times and still heard both clicks.

when the car was trying to start (during the <choochoochoo> part) it acted as 
if it was outta gas which makes me think something's up with the fuel pump, 
but I'm also wondering if something I did to the voltage regulator caused it 
to start again.  Good connection to the VR = good power to the FP and we get 
gas?

I'm as niave as it comes with things like this.  We do have a bently, haynes 
and all that fun stuff including a multimeter that I dunno how to use, but 
I'm not even sure where to start looking.  Are there some good places to 
start when you dont hear the 2 clicks?  I know I didnt hear them this 
afternoon when it wouldnt start.

Any help Appreciated

Matt & Katie
71 Notch
71 Square

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