'61 364 problems

[nounclejesse]

Hi all, I have a 1961 364 2bbl LeSabre. Heres the problem. When going up a long hill (bout 1 mile) the car bogs down about half way up. It honestly feels like the air is being cut off from the intake. If I let off the gas a little, it recovers .....somewhat. This doesn't happen all the time. One day it may be fine, the next it just creeps to the top. I've changed the fuel pump and the carb (a rebuilt carb from Kantor). I've cleaned the fuel filter, changed the points and condencer, reset timing to factory specs, plugs, oil (duh), tranny fluid, used high oct addy (104 boost). Nothing is making a difference.

Outside temp and engine temp doesn't make a difference. It is leaking from the rear main seal (trans to engine), not alot but is getting a little worse then before. I used to drive it daily about 30 miles, and now need to again. Higher speeds (say about 50-55) on level roads don't affect it.

It is my daily driver and only car so I need to get this figured out soon.

Thanks,
KC

[nailheadina67]

Perhaps the vent on the fuel tank is plugged? It really sounds like a fuel delivery problem. Have you tested the fuel pump to see if it's pumping a pint in 30 seconds? Perhaps you should post this in the "mixing shop" section. :)

[CameoInvicta]

I agree, sounds like a fuel problem.

I test drove a '62 LeSabre a few years back and it had a similar problem only it would just quit running all together. I don't remember what the owner said it was but it had something to due with the tank; maybe the vent? I'd start there, good luck.

[DugsSin]

Cleaned a fuel filter:Do No: I would put a new one in and try a clear inline one so you can see whats running through the lines.

[The Old Guy]

There is a filter sock on the fuel line in the tank. It may be partially plugged, and it is a common malady in that year.:idea2:

[nounclejesse]

The fuel filter is the old glass bowl with mesh type filter. I can't see the fuel go through, I'm guessing cause the pressure doesn't drop. I'm thinking it is the tranny leak. I'm putting in more fluid then it leaks on the garage floor, so it may be blowing it out under load? If that's the case, why would the engine bog down....cause of the load the tranny is putting on the engine?

KC

[bubba]

Has the gas tank been cleaned? Because it is intermittent I don't see it being a plugged vent line, nor could it be an electrical. Either the floats in the carb need adj. or your getting a plug in the fuel delivery, thus crap in the tank.

Bill

[nounclejesse]

OK, if it's junk in the tank, then the tank is possibly flaking....it is origional. If this is the case, does anyone know where I could get a new tank.....or what other GM tanks would fit?

BTW, thanks everyone for their help in this!:)

KC

[CameoInvicta]

No one repops tanks, not sure on other models but chances are it's a hard to find Buick only part.

I'd get a fuel pressure gauge and either mount it on the cowl or get with with an isolator. Then went it starts to act up, you can see if the pressure is low/bouncing around and then at least isolate it is indeed fuel related.

Another you might want to try is to disconnect the fuel line after the pump, crank the motor and see if any trash is getting pumped out. Good luck with it!

[bill lagna]

GAS CAP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Loosen the cap and drive up that same hill.Wrong cap or plug vent in the cap.

[nounclejesse]

I've done the gas cap thing.....didn't make a difference. Has anyone relined their gas tank with anything and had any LONG term success? I've been told there's this stuff that you can slosh around in a dry tank, after removing the rust, that will work....but only for maybe 5-6 yrs. Don't know the name of the stuff, but todays gas will cause it to decay. I'm planning on dropping the tank and doing just this if I can't find a replacement tank in the next couple days.

KC

[CameoInvicta]

Another option would be a fuel cell in the trunk. You could use one for a while to see if the problem is in the stock tank.