Hi, I recently purchased my 1959 Fuelie, it is the 250 hp. I am having some problems with the F.I. When the engine is cold, it has trouble starting but this doesn't happen all the time just occasionly. Also if it does start, it blows some smoke as if to be running to rich. After running it for a short period, it will drive fine and then when it is warmed up, you can kill it and try to start it again and it won't. It acts as if it isn't getting any spark. Any help will be greatly appricated. thanks-Nick
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Re: 1959 Fuelie Problems!!
Nick, I have put over 70k miles on a 63 fuely although I have not had much experience with the kind of oxigenated fuels that are available in the larger cities because of the smog problems. I just got back from a 300 mile trip to set up a 63 on a monometer that I had rebuilt for the guy a while back. His complaint was that the car sputtered on cornering and did't respond as well as it used to. The first thing I did was dial in the dwell. Then I set the timing for total advance(many good threads in the archives). The fuely ran beautifully. It was clearly a case of dwell and timing and spark plugs. After I set it up on the manometer it ran even better as the power stop was set too rich but to make a long story shorter, check your timing , dwell, and make sure you have new spark plugs and good wires on before you attack the fuely. Always start the car by holding the throttle 1/3 down and of course you know it does no good to pump it. Good luck. Paul -
Re: 1959 Fuelie Problems!!
agree with paul. too many poor performance problems are attributed to that dog house and its fuel air meter compadres. most misses are a result of ignition problems, not our beloved rochester units. always rule out an ignition problem before pointing a finger of suspicion towards Mr. FI unit.go for it, mikeComment
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Re: 1959 Fuelie Problems!!
FI is a beast unto itself and hard start when engine is warm is not uncommon for a system that's in need of EXPERT overhaul and adjustment. The problem is finding a true expert that's local to you is a Catch-22. I suggest you contact your local chapter judging chairman or chapter chairman to find out who's who in your neck of the woods. It's possible to spend a LOT of money troubleshooting these systems by hit/miss based on well intentioned word of mouth input(s). A true pro will observe, maybe put an exhaust gas analyzer on the tailpipe and proceed to FIX that which needs fixing with knowledge aforethought!Comment
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Re: 1959 Fuelie Problems!!
As far as starting goes, the proceedures for a hot and cold start are completely different. On a cold start, simply pump the throttle once to set the choke and fast idle assy. Leave the throttle closed during start. It is normal for FI's to have to crank for a few seconds on a cold start to allow the pump to build pressure. On a hot start, the throttle needs to be opened. Many report they open it all the way and there is no other acceptable setting. I find on my 360 unit that I usually need somewhere in the 1/3 to 1/2 open range for it to start reliably. When using "winter" gas, the engine may run rough for a minuet or so after starting, due to fuel vaporization in the spider from heat soak. On "summer" gas, I rarely have this problem.
I would agree that most "FI" problems are ignition related.Comment
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Re: 1959 Fuelie Problems!!
Nick, I hate to disagree with Jack but a gas analyzer will not allow you to set the injector on the economy stop and the power top separatly. That can only be done by a manometer with the use of gravity weight oil and (the dreadful) mercury. Lot's of people (including my mentor Brian Futo) say that all you need is a vacuum guage but I have found that the manometer is the most accurate and as a result I consistantly get 20-23 mpg. Good luck. PaulComment
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