Stalling problem.

[Jerry K.]

I drove my '66 roadster about 20 miles the other day. Ran great. No problems at all. Parked it for 15 minutes. Got bsack in and It started, then stalled. Put it in reverse and backed from parking space and stalled again. Drove about 1/2 mile and was a a light and noticed I was running at 210 degrees. The car was sluggish and almost stalled at the light. After driving a few more miles w/o stopping, the temp was down to 180. The engine was rebuilt 3,500 miles ago and the car is 90% restored. It was about an 85 degree day and the top was down. I don't have heat related problems usually, but have issues with rough starting and sometimes stalling after I drive it and park for a few minutes. Does anyone think it's thermo. related? Thanks.

[Edward J.]

Re: Stalling problem.

Jerry, It does not sound like a themostat issue. alot of the time what I see with mid year cars is after shut down when driving for a while, the Gas in the carb. will perculate causing a hard start. the ethonal in the fuel seems to be creating alot of hot re-starting problems.sometimes the float levels in the carb. will also rise after shut down, causing fuel to drip into the throat of carb( causing restart problem also). its best to lower the floats from the factory setting about 1/8 inch.

[Jerry K.]

Re: Stalling problem.

Thanks Ed. Come to think of it, I do have a backfire once in a while after re-starting the car after a short stop at a store, etc. Is that related?

[Rich G.]

Re: Stalling problem.

I agree with Ed. My 66 327 350 is harder to start after it sits hot. Your temps sound ok based on what I see. I don't get any stalling, but mine does idle a little slower right after a hot start. I don't have a problem, just that a cold start is almost instant and a hot start may crank for a couple of seconds.

I have in the past had a problem where fuel is dripping into the secondaries causing an over rich condition which did cause stalling. When this happens it's usually a little dirt stuck somewhere and can be cured with the Holley carb rag in the air horn overhaul trick. In the summer months when I drive the car a lot there is rarely a problem. It's when it sits a long time, once in a while there is a fuel drip that needs to be addressed.

What is your idle speed set at when the car is up to operating temp?

[Jerry K.]

Re: Stalling problem.

The idle speed is just about a grand.

[Rich G.]

Re: Stalling problem.

That sounds high enough. Is your car a PG Small Block or a Four Speed? My idle is set at 750 with no issues on the four speed. From what you are saying it sounds like you have a PG. I would still think about what Ed said regarding the float level.

Where on LI are you? I'm in Brookhaven, but I'm not in the local chapter.

Rich

[Jim T.]

Re: Stalling problem.

Anytime a Holley equipped car backfires into the carb, a ruptured power valve can happen. Later model Holley's base plate was modified to prevent this.

[Jerry K.]

Re: Stalling problem.

No, I have a 4 speed. I live in Sayville. My brother lives in Brookhaven. I'm not that savvy about cars. I had a '69 in '69. Sold it in '80/ Just bought this restored vettte from a doctor in Amherst, Mass in '09. H paid $25k for it and put 62k into it (20k for paint). Get back to me.

[Edward J.]

Re: Stalling problem.

Thanks Ed. Come to think of it, I do have a backfire once in a while after re-starting the car after a short stop at a store, etc. Is that related?

Jerry, make some checks to make sure the base timing is correct ( plus or minus 2/3 degrees advanced) and advance is hooked to direct vaccum. RPMS is set to wear the car idling is smooth(750/900 is a good range).

[Jerry K.]

Re: Stalling problem.

My car is a small block 327/300 if that make a dif. and 4 speed.

[Timothy B.]

Re: Stalling problem.

Jerry,

If you car has it's original 300hp camshaft and you need to idle the engine at 1000rpm there is something amiss.

[Rich G.]

Re: Stalling problem.

Jerry

If you don't have a mechanic who knows about these cars, maybe someone in the chapter can help you. In another thread here someone suggested a place in Bohemia.

I am not a real hands on guy, but I can do a few things. Usually with the help of this board, I tell the mechanic what I want him to do.

I'll send you a PM

Rich