Engine cuts then coughs and hacks before running again

Yes, cleaned it and reinstalled it. It had a bit of debris in it.



Regards,
Tim

 

The points are out (had to take to Autozone so they could confirm which ones I needed - deputer says wrong one is "right" one). I'll reinstall later today and try running it by pinching the return line. I had to think about this as the return from the pump is down by the pulley. Then I remembered the line is also back by the tank and I can pinch it there with a vice grip.

If I may ask, what is that supposed to achieve? Create a back pressure of some sort?

Regards,
Tim

 

You might want to invest in this. http://www.harborfreight.com/fuel-pump-and-vacuum-tester-93547.html

you can then test your fuel pressure to see if it is in spec and then after you get it running set your idle correctly. Follow the instructions for your tune up first. you need to rule out systems where problems can occur. an engine needs fuel, air, spark and compression to run. Make sure you read the right way to set your points. I haven't set points in 20 years, so don't ask me. Make sure your timing is set to initial specs. double check your firing order is correct. make sure your #1 wire goes to your #1, 2 3 etc cylinders. Are you sure your coil is good? Are your plugs fuel fouled? once you are sure your ignition system is correct, then go to fuel and check that with the gauge first. tackle one part, then system before going to the next one. good luck.

 

That's what I've been doing. I have that tester so I'll try to test fuel pressure soon. May be this weekend as my anniversary is upon me.

I've replaced the plugs and coil. I've got new wires, rotor and points in the way as I KNOW these are bad. But it sort of fires up with starter fluid which tells me I have a fuel flow issue first and foremost. Still working it.

Regards,
Tim

 

You will figure it out. I have confidence in you!

 

Success!

I started this am by pinching the fuel return line and then opening the throttle by hand. Two little jets of fuel squirted into the throat. That gave me some confidence that it would run today.

Next I replaced the points. Much easier than I remember in my younger days, took all of five minutes. While at it I installed the new spark plug cable set.

Squirted some starter fluid and turned her over; she started and ran quickly but I had to keep the throttle open a bit to keep her running. After some tweaking of the choke she idled okay and I let her warm up. High end revving sounds really strong.

So what was my problem? The symptoms were rough running, quitting as though fuel starved and no power at higher rpm. This pointed to either fuel, spark or carburetion.

I worked on three systems:
1) fuel system (tank to carb)
2) spark distribution system (coil to spark plugs)
3) carb (ok not so much here)

Fuel System
I emptied and pulled the tank to remove all fuel and ensure I had both a clean tank and clean fuel. I then blew hp air through the fuel lines to clear them. I replaced the fuel filter and cleaned the filter at the carb bowl. I replaced some rubber fuel lines as they were nearly clogged with rot. I removed and cleaned the fuel pump and reinstalled with a new gasket. The clogging and old filter were likely contributors to fuel starvation like symptoms. After pinching the return line to establish a pressure forcing fuel to the carb bowl and through the jets (this is a critical step IMHO) the fuel system was eliminated as a cause.

Spark Distribution System
I checked plugs (fouled), wires (some showing cracking and wear), cap (burned at center post), rotor (some charring but not much), points (pitted and worn) and the coil (weak voltage) I replaced them all as well as the condenser. This ensured a strong spark eliminating this as a cause.

Carb
I didn't do much here other than carb cleaner in the bowl and a few good raps to unseat and stuck elements inside. Not sure if any of that worked, but vacuum was never very high (less than -5 psi) during some starting attempts. It idles rough now so I suspect it still needs to be rebuilt. Rebuild kit on its way.

Bottom line, I'm driving again.

Regards, and more importantly thanks for all the advice and encouragement!
Tim

edited to correct all that formatting.

 

Great job! Glad to hear it runs and that you did it yourself. Great feeling of satisfaction.