Possibly a contaminated fuel tank, where the debris is sucked into
the gas tank pick up screen, where the engine starves for fuel.
The stuff eventually falls off of the screen and the car starts/runs,
until the screen gets clogged again.
Neil Vedder
Garrett wrote:
As the subject said, my car (1957 Dodge Coronet) was running just
fine, stuttered a couple of times, and now it won't re-start.
I started it and let it idle a few minutes, drove it a couple of miles
and parked it. Then after an hour or so I started it again, it idled
for a few minutes while I put air in a tire, drove it to the mailbox
where I grabbed the mail, and then the problem occurred. It had no
other issues throughout the day. It is a hot and miserable day today
and the engine was definitely warm. I have a couple thoughts as to
potential issues, but am more interested in what folks here on the
list feel the issue might be.
The situation occurred after I was sitting on a somewhat steep hill
idling for a minute or two. I put it in gear to proceed, it went a
little distance to where it leveled out again, and the engine died.
It started a couple more times for a few seconds but wouldn't stay
running. At first I thought maybe idling on the hill caused a
carb/fuel delivery related issue. I checked the fuel filter and
throughout my various starting attempts it would be anywhere from
completely full to nearly empty. I loosened the fuel filter nut a
couple times and there was apparently some pressure built up somewhere
as when I loosened the nut fuel would rush into the filter (so
hopefully the pump is ok). I did notice that some of the seals on the
carb began to look wet, as if there was a lot of fuel in there, not
going anywhere.
The car is sitting out front now. Knowing my luck it will turn right
over and start if I go try it later tonight, but in case the problem
is something more serious, I'd like to get some ideas right away.
The fuel gauge doesn't work but I put a couple more gallons of gas in
the tank anyway. I don't think gas level is the issue, although I am
somewhat concerned about the age of the gas in the tank. I last
filled the tank a couple years ago, but did put an additive that I
believe is supposed to help stabilize the fuel (such as when sitting a
while and not doing a lot of moving)...not sure exactly what it was
though. That being said, what are the chances the car would start and
run fine for a while if the gas was bad?
Any ideas? Any other details I neglected to provide? I didn't really
have a chance to look at the ignition side of things. I did see that
the carb would still squirt fuel when pumping the throttle, but
perhaps the engine was flooded? I've only ever had flooding/vapor
lock issues on cold days, so this seems weird to me on a hot,
miserable day.
As usual, your help is greatly appreciated.
-Garrett
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