Cutting Out

[kaiserfrazerlibrary]

Imagine you just bought a new car and after driving it a bit it began to run erratically.  There can be dozens of possibilities that often get checked through trial and error.  Here you've got just about the whole list based on different experiences on different cars.  The new gas formulation and new oil grading system due out later this year in various parts of the country won't help things either.

PLUG FOR THE MEET:  I've arranged for a lubrication specialist from Ford CEP2 to be the guest speaker at the fall 2010 Midwest Division meet (Ohio, mid-September) to talk about the new motor oil grading system that will come on line in September 2010 and talk about the best kinds of oils for different older vehicle applications.

[Doc]

a lot of experience AT bad luck.  If there's a fuel delivery problem, I've experienced it.

[Logan]

I replaced the flexible fuel line and cleaned out the fuel pump (it's a single action, which has a built-in fuel screen).  There were some chunks of something in the fuel pump--they were pebble-sized and kind of fell apart in your fingers. almost looked like cork gasket, or somethign of that sort.  Anyway, I've taken it on several drives, including the same hilly highway, on hot (90+) days, and it hasn't hesitated at all, so it seems I might have cleared the problem up.  I also got into the distributor, but couldn't find connectors at my autoparts store that were like the originals, so I ended up just wrapping the frayed part of the wire with electrical tape and putting it back together.  Thanks for all the help, and if it starts acting up again I'll be back with more questions!

[HJ-ETEX]

Logan: I had a 62 Studebaker wagon that was cutting out. I checked the lines, blew out the lines to the tank, but that didn't cure it. Eventually I discovered where the blockage was. The inlet fitting on the carb had a screen in it. When I removed the inlet fitting there were 3 particles that seemed like clay when I rubbed them between my fingers.

[Logan]

Well, thanks for the tips.  It's still running great--and I was in stop and go traffic today in 90+ weather--no vapor lock!