SwannySwanson

So I have a question: Any ideas about why a vehicle will die when it gets up to operating temp under load? When I just have it idling when I'm working on it it happily chugs along all day. What I have done: heat baffle between carburetor and manifold, new fuel pump, drained tank and verified lines are clear, rebuilt carburetor (and I feel like if it was a carburetor issue it would not just be after warm up), rebuilt distributor. The vehicle just cuts out and will not start until I throw a little fuel in the carb. Then it's better and fits and runs really ragged. I haven't messed with a automatic choke though, it seems to be working. Other than just replacing the carburetor completely, and good luck finding one, the only other thing that I can think of is the possibility of a failed head gasket. I believe I have a little bit of a weep on the side of the engine between the 3 and 4 cylinder. I tabled it for the winter because I was so frustrated and irritated. But as the weather begins to brighten so does my eternal optimism for having this on the road someday. I'm confident that it's probably something little, or something major that I'm not thinking through. I should mention this is a 48 Dodge.

So this was the first time in awhile that I've had to work on the coupe. I took the distributor cleaned it up and put in a new plate. Replaced the coil to distributor wire. Boom! That fixed the sluggish, it also shuts off immediately when key is turned off. Thanks, I don't think that fix would have crossed my mind.

Thanks! Appreciate your input and link.

Well I have had this issue before pulling off the carburetor, bogging down pretty severely at around 35 mph in third gear. Lots of hesitation. And also when it is not under load, when I rev the engine, it gets to a certain point it bogs down. I haven't looked at the throttle opening completely up, I have assumed it as, but I haven't specifically checked it. And I come back to the issue with this screw (see picture) It adjusts the dash pot pump, and I've been told that this regulates the high end of the carburetor. Do I need to back that screw out adjustment or in? I feel like it and honestly I don't see a lot of difference. Thanks for the help!

So I took my carburetor off, and did a bit of clean up on it. The jets were a bit gunked up so I picked up a rebuilt kit. Thorough cleaning, methodical reassembly, verified the float level. Put it on and for the first time it fired right up!! I didn't have to prime it, no starting fluid, just vroom. I've adjusted the idle and the main jet so that it runs out pretty well. But I cannot get higher end rpms out of it. I'm pretty sure it's the adjustment screw on the front of the carb, but for all that is good I can't figure out if I need to set it in or out to raise the rpms. I've checked the docs on this site but I haven't found anything specific on how to adjust that item. Thanks for the help in advance.

Today was the first chance that I have to get out and tinker around. As suggested I pulled the fuel line off and verified the fuel pump is working. I started it up and ran it around the block and it then started to hesitate and cut out again. Plenty of fuel, but I haven't had a chance to check the screen from the tank as suggested and I also haven't had a chance to check out the carb for debris. I will say that from the very beginning when I have pulled the throttle back on the carb there certainly is not a strong stream that goes into the throat. The only other thing that pops into my mind is the fuel filter inlet and outlet are smaller then the one that I replaced, maybe it's causing an issue. Thanks for the great suggestions! I think that's one of the best things with this form, reading through other people's questions and concerns and how they are answered by folks who have a collective knowledge of generations!

Just rebuilt the brakes and master cylinder, that's a parking brake to engage and got it running pretty well. I took Sadie out to stretch your legs a little bit and as I was bringing her back in she coughed and died. During the drive she seemed to act like she was starved for fuel at higher rpms. Now she acts like she's not getting any fuel at any point. Unless I pour some fuel in the carb, she starts right up and will run okay for a few seconds then rough then dies. The carburetor was rebuilt about a year ago. But but I guess it could be something with it, or maybe fuel pump? 20230713_173126.mp4

Where did you source your radio? That is beautiful! After I get my brakes situated and the glass replaced the radio will be the last major thing for a while.

Thanks! I knew someone would have the answers here. This is the widest knowledge base of vehicles that I've been part of.

So I tracked down the missing link... Which was surprisingly easy. Now when I rebuilt the carb, there was a description of what hole to attach the linkage on on the bottom lever (the top is the acceleration pump). However, for the life of me I can't find it and I can't remember. Any ideas?

So the 48 Biz coupe runs!!! I even took it around the block! Master cylinder will need to be replaced or repaired. But I have another question. Do any of you know if there's a diagram of what switches control what? The radio is self explanatory... But there are two knobs on either side of the speaker. Although the headlights work, nothing else illuminates, I just don't know if I'm turning the right thing. The dash shown is not mine, but it is the same. 20230508_153652.mp4

So today I got the 48 Dodge Biz Coupe to start! I've had it for a year but from what I know it's been at least 10 or 15 since its been running. And 15 or 20 since its been on the road. Today while I was scratching my head about why it was running rough, I noticed this plate on the firewall with the number 260477BC. Can anyone point me out as to how to interpret these numbers? I assume it's the body style and colour and such. I know it was built in the California plant late 47 and rolled out for the 48 year.