Hi folks, I want to start by saying this car has never had any drivability issues ever. It's always ran smooth since I bought it 11 years ago and all I've ever done was change ignition parts and oil. I had a small leak from the Valley pan gasket that was driving me crazy so last week I took everything apart and did that. Plus of course the intake manifold gaskets along with it. Before I even attempted this, I dumped some red line fuel system cleaner in a full tank. Something I normally do when I'm going to actually start driving the car. However, this time I forgot I had dumped it in there already and I also added Gunk lead substitute. So maybe this is related? I use ethanol free 91 octane fuel. Having neglected the car for a couple years, I also did plugs wires rotor cap dwell and I found the original spark plug wire holders for the top of the valve cover and installed those which are pretty neat. Also installed a new radiator this season and transmission mount. Car idles absolutely beautifully. Better than it has in years. It's like a sewing machine. Starts right up no problem from cold. I've only done a test drive twice since I did all this work. I live on a 55 mile-per-hour road so I'm pretty quick up to speed and I drive about 2 miles up to a stop sign turn around and come back home. First time, stalled out at the stop sign. Had trouble restarting. Would not restart unless I held the gas pedal down. Continued all the way home no issue. Second time today, made it to the stop sign, back to the house. While I was slowing down approaching the house we stalled again. Wouldn't start unless I held the pedal to the floor. Got it into the driveway and would not stay running unless I touch the gas. Idles rough/wanting to cut out.. Of course I had to screw with it for about 15 minutes giving it gas letting it idle giving it gas... to no avail. Turn it off, came back 20 minutes later starts right up perfectly again. Idles smooth. I may have turned the intake manifold with carburetor attached sideways when I took it out of the car, I don't remember. I've been considering getting a carburetor rebuild for a while. Where do you guys think I should start?
How hot is the engine running? Sounds like vapor lock. Could also be a vacuum leak. Take a vacuum reading.
Logic would dictate that if the issue wasn't there before, and its there now, its related to something that you did. I seem to recall a freeze plug or something to that effect thats under the nailhead intakes. I remember that they rot out and cause issues.
Sounds like the float level in the carb is acting up via a sticky needle valve....drive the car and run an unmolested tank of fuel through it Tom Mooney
Thanks guys. I'm gonna take her for a spin... pick up a fuel filter (can't hurt) and see what happens. Haven't actually driven it cold... so this might help diagnose, also. I'm assuming it's only stalling hot. We'll see! Can't find my vacuum gauge... Will let you know what it says when it shows up!
Update: Drove around from cold for about an hour on and off.. Stopped at NAPA for fuel filter, left runnning.. BS'd for a while.. came out, drove around... got home, hit a few traffic lights.. no issues Installed fuel filter, went back out, stopping at gas station... filled with 93, came home.. still no issues. I dunno?? I'll let you guys know if it re-occurs. Maybe I just had too much crap in the gas afterall
Had a few more short drives, installed a dashpot last night... (always had a broken one)... Running nice. Still not ready to trust it more than 20 miles tho... Baby steps!
