P15Mike Posted January 6, 2009 Report Posted January 6, 2009 Hello everyone . Just found this site through a google search believe it or not . I have a 47 Ply 4dr sedan Special Dlx that i found sitting in a barn for 30 yrs ! I gotta tell you this is my first old car and find myself loving this thing to death . My stable to this point was all muscle cars (69,70 and 71 rr b-bodys ) My 47 has the all the orig paint (x-cept rear fenders) and interior . Since my purchase i've redone all the brakes and rebuilt/replaced everything under the hood . except the engine . My tech question is while driving when i reach about 40mph its starts to break down badly ( i.e short on air or fuel ? ) My father thought maybe it was a venting issue in the fuel tank , so i removed the gas cap and that didnt fix the problem . I'm now thinking maybe my float needs adjusting to allow more fuel ?? Any help would be greatly appreciated ... maybe someone has had this issue ?? Thx in advance Mike Quote
Don Coatney Posted January 6, 2009 Report Posted January 6, 2009 Not sure about your problem. Add some information to your profile such as where you are located. Quote
Frank Elder Posted January 6, 2009 Report Posted January 6, 2009 That is not required if you wish to be private, but it helps if you want members help that live near you, or if there are parts to be bought or sold Quote
martybose Posted January 6, 2009 Report Posted January 6, 2009 There are lots of possibilities for this problem, most likely related to sitting for 30 years. Check for issues like clogged filter socks on the intake tube in the tank. Did you rebuild/replace the fuel pump? Marty Quote
windsor8 Posted January 6, 2009 Report Posted January 6, 2009 If it still has the original flexible fuel line that connects the fuel pump to the steel line it could be collapsing inside and shunting off the fuel flow. It happen to me with 41 Chrysler. Quote
P15Mike Posted January 6, 2009 Author Report Posted January 6, 2009 I was basically trying to find out where i might start and if i might be on the right track . I've rebuilt the carb/distributer , had rad cleaned , new hoses/plugs etc , basically all new under the hood .The engine was stuck when i got it . I got the engine unstuck only to later find out the rings were rusted to the pistons .I dropped the oil pan replaced the pistons/rings and had the block honed . After that it started right up and runs fine @ idle and reving the engine . Under hard acceleration from a standstil going through the gears it runs fine but once up to speed at about 40mph or so it starts (coughing) breaking down .I let up on the gas pedal for about 2 or 3 seconds and under a low re-acceleration up to maybe 35 mph and it seems to run fine until maybe back up to 40mph and it back to the same.I've only pu maybe 30 to 40 miles on it so far so im still in the begining stages of diag here, was looking for some tips .I did replace the fuel pump and rubber line as it was also inop when i tried to get running in the begining . When it warms up a little i'll try the checking sock issue . Where is the sock in the tank , never had my tank out yet ? Quote
greg g Posted January 6, 2009 Report Posted January 6, 2009 The tanls has an oillite porus brass filter over the pickup in the tank. These can get plugged up with rust and shellac from evaporating old fuel. If you remove the rubber line from the pump and put some low pressure compressed air back through the line this may clear it, at least for a while. (I do mine every spring) Also if you have the system with the glass bulb fitting, there is an internal brass screen inside that also may need to be cleaned. You should also check your float level. A simple flow test is to disconnect the line from the carb, direct it ito a suitable container, and with the coil wire disconected from the dist, have some one crank the starter, while you observe and count the fuel pulses coming from the pump. 12 pulses should yield about 8 to 12 ounces of fuel in the ocntainer. Less would indicate a partial blocked flow. Also check the connections along the line as any air leaks from the pump to the tank will lessen the effectivness of the pump. There are several members in the Maryland, Va area. You might get some assistance if you post a bit more info regarding your location. Quote
P15Mike Posted January 7, 2009 Author Report Posted January 7, 2009 Thx Greg for the info .When i replaced the fuel pump someone had already advised me to blow out the fuel line so i did that ( may need done again after adding new fuel and driving though, so will do again) . I've already checked the screen in the glass bowl on my fuel pump twice and its pretty clean . I think this week end i'll try the quick check you advised by diconnecting the fuel line @ the carb . You just gotta love these old works of art ! Quote
John Reddie Posted January 7, 2009 Report Posted January 7, 2009 Mike, Welcome to the message board. I would also make sure that your exhaust system is not restricted where you say the car was sitting for many years. This could cause symptoms like you describe. Good luck to you. John R Quote
Lou Earle Posted January 7, 2009 Report Posted January 7, 2009 Once again "if you are sure it is a fuel problem check the ignition" Wendell Mimms ma he RIP Be sure that your battery is installed positive to ground and neg to ignition And that your coil is wire- ignition to neg side and distributor to pos side,. Also a bad coil or condenser can cause these problems Good luck Lou Quote
P15Mike Posted January 8, 2009 Author Report Posted January 8, 2009 Lou and john thx for the added info . The exhaust must have been replaced prior to being put in the barn as its still in good shape no leaks only surface corrosion . Maybe something internal i dunno , but that would be pricy , if all else fails then i will look to that . As far as the elec stuff i guess thats a possibilty . I rebuilt the distributer and replaced the coil . Funny the orig owners daughter told me the reason it went into the barn to begin with is that it wouldnt start .Once taking evrything apart i found all new elec items under the hood replaced 30 years ago (nothing worn /all new ) .When i removed the dist i found the wire( 2in long cloth wire from cond 2 points ) frayed and almost corroded in two pieces . I'm sure manny of you on here have found something similar in the past with that .I'm curtain that was the cause of it quit running many years ago . Anyway i know my battery is grounded properly , but i will double check my ign/coil wires ... hey i'm only human ....lol ... thx for the help . Mike Quote
Normspeed Posted January 9, 2009 Report Posted January 9, 2009 Also you might check your vacuum advance unit. The diaphragms get porous. Just put a piece of vacuum hose on it and see if it will hold suction. Quote
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