Why does my old Plymouth Fury need starting fluid after it sits?

Short answer: If your Fury needs ether to start after sitting a day or two, fuel is draining back out of the carburetor. Look for a pinhole or rotten rubber section in the line from the tank to the pump, and test the pump. If the battery runs down while you drive, test the alternator and the separate voltage regulator, then check cables and belt tension.

Symptom: The car needs starting fluid after it sits a day, or the battery goes flat while driving.

What to check first

1. Inspect the fuel line from tank to pump, especially rubber sections.
2. Test the pump by drawing from a can of fresh gas.
3. Check filters for rust after reviving an old tank.
4. With the engine running, check battery voltage. Around 14 volts means it's charging.
5. Check the voltage regulator, alternator, cables and belt.

Likely causes

1. Fuel line pinhole or rotten rubber section. A small leak between the tank and the pump lets fuel drain back, so the carburetor is dry after sitting.
2. Weak mechanical fuel pump. If the pump can't pull fuel up from the tank, it takes a lot of cranking to fill the carb.
3. Rust from an old tank clogging lines or filters. Cars that sat for years with old gas shed rust that keeps clogging new filters.
4. Voltage regulator or alternator. In 1967 Chrysler used a separate solid-state regulator. If it or the alternator fails, the battery drains while you drive.
5. Battery cables, connections or belt. Corroded cables and a loose belt also stop the battery from charging.

What it usually costs

Owners didn't post prices.

Is it safe to keep driving?

Fuel leaks are a fire risk. A car that won't charge can die in traffic. Rusted floors can be dangerous in a crash.

DIY or shop?

Fuel lines, pumps, regulators and cables are classic DIY jobs on these cars. Floor welding is a body shop job.

Recalls, bulletins and complaints in plain words

• Related recalls: NHTSA lists dozens of recalls for these Furys. Ones that touch fuel and electrical include 77V201000 (1972-1973: the main power feed wire terminal from the battery and alternator can separate), 73V011000 (1972-1973 fuel delivery) and 78V020000 (1975-1977: a distorted carburetor accelerator pump seal). If your car is part of a recall, the dealer fixes it for free. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
• Plain words: The complaint count below shows how often owners reported problems that mention these words to NHTSA. A count is not proof of a defect.
• NHTSA complaints: 0 keyword-matched complaints for Plymouth Fury 1965–1978 (of 1 unique complaints queried, NHTSA complaints API by model year, queried 2026-10-29; keywords: electrical, wiring, start, stall, fuel, ignition) (NHTSA returned no data for 4 model-year queries). This counts complaints that mention these words. It is not a defect finding.

What owners report

• In Plymouth Fury III I really need some help! on Car Talk, a 1972 Fury III 400 had sat 15 years. After replacing the tank, sender, pump, filters and carb, it needed ether to start after sitting a day. Members suggested a pinhole or deteriorated section in the line from the tank to the pump and rust in the lines. Testing with a jar of gas showed the pump was noisy but not pumping.
• In 67 sport fury electrical on Car Talk, a 1967 Sport Fury's battery drained instead of charging while driving. Members said to load-test the battery and test the charging system, and pointed to the external voltage regulator or alternator, plus cables and belt tension.
• In 1966 Plymouth Fury 2 on Car Talk, a 1966 Fury II owner asked about adding power steering and fixing rusted floor pans. Members said the correct floor fix is welding in new metal, with sheet metal patches only as a stopgap.

Quick tip

After reviving a car that sat for years, expect to replace the fuel filter more than once.

Vehicle focus: Plymouth Fury, 1965-1974 (the threads cover a 1966, 1967 and 1972).

Safety / mechanic note

Fuel leaks and rusted floors are safety items. Verify with a mechanic.