Starved for fuel

Gary/IA

Gary/IA

Senior Member
PROBLEM: When after a short stop for fuel or dining, the engine will start

at the touch of the starter but after going about half a block the

engine dies for lack of fuel. 1929 Special Coupe. 12Volt.



SITUATION: When engine is cold it starts and runs without a problem.
Always use NON alcohol gas and MMO added.
After engine dies, it will start up and run perfect until the
next pit stop and then a repeat of the same problem.
It acts exactly as if you forgot to turn on the gas.
Choking will make the engine catch a little but then dies.


ACTIONS: Checked for gas flow to carburator - Excellent flow
Gas tank clean and never sealed, pencil filter installed.
Three good carburetors tried - problem still exists.
Insulated steel gas line - no help.
Replaced steel gas line with rubber gas line - no help.
Installed heat shield around carb - no help.
Removed gas cap - no help.
Happens on cool days and hot days.
Never happens when engine is started cold.





Suggestions needed.
 
if you have tried three different carbs, and you have good constant gas flow to the carb. my guess is you have an electrical problem.
1st- i would take the fuel line off of the carb, direct it into a bucket, turn on the tap and just let it run, see if it slows down, (maybe a floating blockage in the system acting like a shut off valve). if the gas flow doesn't stop then.
2nd- when it dies i would check the spark. i have had coils that when they heat up they will cut out. maybe try a second coil.
3rd- try a new condenser or test the condenser.
 
Check the coil and point gap! Could be a heat issue with points and a borderline defective coil! Don't think it would be the condenser as they are either good or bad!
 
x2 all of the above. Check for loose connections insiide the terminal box and the coil + and - posts. I've had my points ground out due to a worn rub block/cam follower.
 
I am going to go with the heat related electrical problem. Perhaps the coil. Easy to test. Buy a can of the component cooler used in electronics to find a part that is failing due to heat, or use some ice on the coil. Or just hold the coil high tension wire about 1/4 inch from the block to test for a spark.
 
Last edited:
Maybe an electrical connection breaking down when it warms up due to increasing resistance. Might check coil voltage with a meter before and after the problem starts. Interesting caper - please share the fix.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top