Miss Then Backfiring

[DLK]

We had beautiful weather for a local Plymouth Club event in Amery and Centuria, WI today.  Unfortunately on the way home my 50 Wayfarer started to miss, at first noticeably then after about 5 miles to the point the car could barely climb moderate grades.  I drove about 30 miles with it missing increasingly worse (probably should have pulled over sooner). Finally about 3 miles from home the car would barely keep running and started backfiring loudly so I pulled over and called a tow. I was already planning an engine overhaul but I guess that will now happen sooner rather than later.

[larryconnors]

I'd check the obvious things first. How's your tune up?

[Don Coatney]

Sounds to me like an overhaul will not fix your problem. What have you looked at so far? Were it me I would start by inspecting the distributor to insure it is working correctly.

[knuckleharley]

  I drove about 30 miles with it missing increasingly worse (probably should have pulled over sooner). Finally about 3 miles from home the car would barely keep running and started backfiring loudly so I pulled over and called a tow. I was already planning an engine overhaul but I guess that will now happen sooner rather than later.

I'd be thinking more about a tune-up and a thorough check of the ignition system for loose or burned wires,and for contaminated gas.

 

Did you fill up your gas tank on that right shortly before it started missing? Disconnect the fuel ling between the fuel pump and the carb and use your starter to pump a little gas into a clear container like a water glass,and let it sit for a while and see what it looks and smells like. This would be a good time to replace ALL your old rubber gas hoses with new ones made specifically for ethonol fuel if you haven't done so already.

[DLK]

I'd be thinking more about a tune-up and a thorough check of the ignition system for loose or burned wires,and for contaminated gas.

 

Did you fill up your gas tank on that right shortly before it started missing? Disconnect the fuel ling between the fuel pump and the carb and use your starter to pump a little gas into a clear container like a water glass,and let it sit for a while and see what it looks and smells like. This would be a good time to replace ALL your old rubber gas hoses with new ones made specifically for ethonol fuel if you haven't done so already.

At the event we were discussing issues with ethanol blends.  To be honest I haven't paid much attention to what I put in it.  I agree with the statements that the rings, valves etc. are probably not the cause of my immediate problem but since I planned the overhaul anyhow I can address the hoses, distributor etc. while the engine is being rebuilt.  I did send the fuel pump last year to Massachusetts for rebuild.  One suggestion I have read here I intend to follow is to keep a spare distributor with points, condenser and rotor in my trunk.

 

Just one funny note:  When they were pulling my car onto the tow truck in a very nice neighborhood one of the neighbors came up and told me he thought my car backfiring was gunshots which would really be rare in that high income enclave.

[Plymouthy Adams]

if your car was running smoothly, not smoking or knocking or other adverse noises...and then just started doing thigs like you mentioned..I would first look to things like don mentioned..the very decay of a condenser is enough to emulate the symptom you describe...but it appears you have you heart set to overhaul the engine..we cannot talk you out of that..but if you have no significant mechanical failure you could well put hat money to other improvements on the car...

[Young Ed]

Tim his car has other issues with oil consumption etc hence the rebuild. He and I have talked about it before. I agree the two things aren't related. Its just become a two birds with one stone thing. Dave PM me your dist # and I can see if we have a match for it if you don't already have a second.

[Plymouthy Adams]

then that makes all the difference..as it was not mentioned in opening thread how could anyone consider the problem as valid concern..

[DLK]

if your car was running smoothly, not smoking or knocking or other adverse noises...and then just started doing thigs like you mentioned..I would first look to things like don mentioned..the very decay of a condenser is enough to emulate the symptom you describe...but it appears you have you heart set to overhaul the engine..we cannot talk you out of that..but if you have no significant mechanical failure you could well put hat money to other improvements on the car...

I go through a quart of oil about every 150 miles and it smokes badly when hot, even though the oil pressure is good.  So I went through a lot of soul searching before deciding to go ahead and get it completely rebuilt so we can feel comfortable stretching out the length of the drives and tours we take. I may be keeping this car until they wheel me out on a gurney.

[Plymouthy Adams]

good luck with the build..

[greg g]

A compression check would be in order to rule out a blown head gasket. A bad gasket will typically result in swapping compression between a pair of cylinders. 5&6 are most common as they are tail end Charlie for coolant but 1&2, and 3&4 also occurs,causing lack of power and backfiring as one piston on compression pushes squeeze through the gasket into the adjoining cylinder when that one,s exhaust or intake valve may be open.

Edited August 5, 2013 by greg g

[Niel Hoback]

 I think the first thing I would do is change the fuel filter. Not clean it or test it, change it.