Robert and others,
Thanks for the tips. Think I've got it solved. Turns out the float
valve was "loose" in the carb body. When I went to try to start the car
in my neighbors driveway this morning it flooded big time. Even started
dripping into the passenger footwell from the charcoal cannisters. Took
carb apart, removed, cleaned(no visible dirt), and tightened float
valve, then cleaned and rebuilt rest of carb. Haven't had chance to
drive any distance yet, but seems to be back to normal behavior.
By the way, what is the purpose of what Moss calls the "Induction
Heater" that goes between the carb and the manifold, and should there be
two wires attached, or just the one as on my car. It has two spade
terminals. Pretty expensive little "heater".
Thanks again to all.
Jim McPhee
Placitas, NM
ROBERT G. HOWARD wrote:
>
> Jim,
> I'd start at the pump. Since you have a pressure regulator, I'm
> assuming that the original SU has been replaced by something else. If
> it's the SU, at 80,000 miles it's time to check it and give it new points
> or other maintenance.
> There may be some accumulated gastank crud that is plugging the fuel
> pickup line in the tank. If you have compressed air available, try
> blowing back the line from the pump to the tank. Then test drive. It
> won't be a permanent repair, since the crud will still be in the tank,
> but at least it will be away from the pickup for a while.
> Let us know how this progresses.
> Bob
>
> On Thu, 23 Apr 1998 22:02:04 -0600 James McPhee
> <jmcphee@worldnet.att.net> writes:
> >This is my first message to the list, although I have been on in the
> >background for several months. I'm hoping someone can help me narrow
> >down my troubleshooting options on this problem.
> >
> >Background:
> >Very stock'79 with approx. 80k miles. I have owned the car for about
> >three months and have put about 3k miles on it in that time without so
> >much as a cough or hiccup. I drive 30 miles each way to work,
> >combined
> >interstate and city driving. Only thing I have noticed is that if I
> >run
> >it up though the gears, particularly up a certain uphill stretch, it
> >seems that by the time I am topping out in third gear, it begins to be
> >starved for fuel. Shift into fourth and all is well.
> >
> >Problem:
> >On my way home tuesday night, on the interstate at 65 mph(about 15
> >miles
> >into the 30 mile trip), car begins to die as if it is running out of
> >fuel. Have half a tank. Pull over to the side and keep the engine
> >running by "playing" with the throttle. Engine never actually
> >dies(unless you take your foot entirely off the throttle), but acts
> >like
> >it's not getting enough fuel. If I kept a light, steady foot on the
> >pedal, it would rev to about 2500 rpm, drop to almost 0, rev back to
> >2500, over and over again, never actually quitting. When I shut the
> >engine off to check under the hood, and then restarted it about five
> >minutes later, it started and ran as if no problem. Revved up and
> >idled
> >just fine. Started back up on the interstate, just got into fourth at
> >about 40mph, and same behavior all over again, as if the float bowl
> >had
> >been filled enough to run well for a short while, but as if it was not
> >staying filled. When you turn on the ignition, you can hear the fuel
> >pump ticking in its normal manner, filling the float bowl. To make a
> >long story short, I nursed it up the shoulder the rest of the way
> >home.
> >It now sits in the garage awaiting corrective action.
> >
> >Wrap-up:
> >I replaced the fuel filter and air filter right after I bought the
> >car,
> >and I have set valves, plugs, and timing, all at least 1k miles ago.
> >Stromberg has been untouched since I have owned the car. I have no
> >idea
> >when it was last rebuilt. There is a pressure regulator between the
> >filter and carb, set at 2.5. I have not changed it since I got the
> >car. Not sure which end to start with, carb, fuel pump, or even the
> >middle, the pressure regulator. Sure appreciate any and all
> >thoughts/suggestions.
> >
> >
> >
> >Jim McPhee
> >Placitas, New Mexico
> >
> >
>
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