engine will start but won't keep running

[JackA]

The engine will start, but soon begins stumbling and I can't do anything to keep it going. I don't know if it is too little gas or too much. I suspect it is too little. I have tapped the carb to see if the float is stuck. This is the first time it is tried to be started since last Nov. Any ideas would be greatly appreciated. This is probably an old topic.

Jack

 

[Franchise_24]

Take the line off the carb and check to see if you have a good gas flow from there.

 

[Mitch//pa]

Also see if your losing spark
The repo ignition switches can play games like that

 

[Bob C]

When it is stumbling what happens if you choke it.

Bob

 

[Patrick L.]

When it is stumbling what happens if you choke it.

Bob

My question also.

 

[Tom Wesenberg]

If you have good fuel flow at the carb, and have good spark when it stumbles, then take the carb apart and clean it. If you have gas with 10% corn crap in it, then get rid of it and put in some good gas. That ethanol crap isn't much good when it's new and it quickly turns to sewage after a month or two. My friend is going through the same thing with his 4 cylinder inboard boat motor right now. I just bought an electric fuel pump and rigged up a filter and wires with battery clips so he can pump out his tank.

 

[mshmodela]

As a newbie, one of these has helped me with some of my distributor issues... esp. when on the road and my car start to sputter...

https://parts.modelastore.com/show_Product.asp?ID=12162

 

[BILL WILLIAMSON]

If you even have a strong hunch it's in the carb, rip that dude of, clean & re-gasket it, it's EASY.
Purdy Swoft even found insects, with WINGS, in his float bowl. They probably climbed in through the hidden float chamber vent, on the BACKSIDE OF THE CARB! Refer to modelabasics.com for GOOD pics. Remember, some of the jets & passages are ITTY-BITTY! Reminds me: Lookin' at my jet drills, HOW IN THE HELL DO THEY MAKE AN ITTY-BITTY, .021" BIT??--AMAZING!!
Bill W.

 

[Tom Wesenberg]

As a newbie, one of these has helped me with some of my distributor issues... esp. when on the road and my car start to sputter...

https://parts.modelastore.com/show_Product.asp?ID=12162

That clear cap is a good idea, and as mentioned a helpful diagnostic tool.
I made my own about 12 years ago because no one was selling them at that time.

 

[mshmodela]

That clear cap is a good idea, and as mentioned a helpful diagnostic tool.
I made my own about 12 years ago because no one was selling them at that time.

yeah, after reading about what the condensers do and a few posts, I actually has a bad new condenser and yeah, a lot of arcing at the points as compared to my other videos of the points in action...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DX_P-pLC04w

 

[BILL WILLIAMSON]

With plugs out, look @ points, on a looong spinover. You should see a BARELY discernable, BLUEISH/WHITE arc. If it flashes out YELLOWISH/ORANGE, & maybe erratically, you've got either a BAD condenser or CRUMMY points!!! (TRUST ME)
Bill W.

 

[C26Pinelake]

How about draining the gas and starting all over with fresh gas? Wayne

 

[gaylord degroot]

Made one using an extra distributor cap. Works great! Everyone has one of these lying around.