The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop '53 235 Fuel Problem, Stumped...HELP PLEASE

I am having difficulties keeping my '53 235 running. I have re-built the carb, replaced inline fuel filters, and tested the fuel pump. Everything appears to be fine. The only way she'll start is to but gas down the carb to prime it. Once started, runs good at idle. Once on the road, makes it about 2 blocks and dies. Re-prime, and another 2 blocks. I am stumped. Any ideas to what I did wrong?

Check the rubber sections of the fuel line. Could be there is a small hole in the line. Also pull the float assy out of the tank and see if the sock inside the tank is okay,

I had a similar problem with a 216 engine. When searching online, someone stated that a leaking intake manifold gasket could cause this problem. Good luck.

When it dies, pull the gas cap quickly. If you get a big sucking noise, you've got a plugged vent line to the tank. I had a similar problem on a 47 Mercury about 45 years ago, and it turned out to be a big grasshopper wedged into the pickup line inside the fuel tank. The car would run about a mile, then stall and refuse to restsart for 30 minutes or so.
Jerry

I'd be curious if your carb was running dry too. I know you said you rebuilt the carb, but it you blow into the gas line going to the carb and your ears POP and then check to find the bowl empty... A sticking float is your culprit. Happened to me at least once... ha.
Hope the issue turns out to be a minor fix for you.
Good luck.
Jerry Wilson

thanks guys. I will try all of these and keep digging. Love this old iron, but sometimes can be a pain to find the smallest problems. At least I know it's not a computer, LOL!

Be sure to reply back with your findings.

On my 235 (54) it was the fuel pump that was causing this issue. I had the factory style (no bowl/non-vacuum assist). It would test fine and then quit later, I went with a very reasonable $20 eBay electric pump and have not had a problem since. My truck did exactly the same things you describe the new pump fixed it.

Well, when I bought the truck, I was told that the fuel system had been gone through and the tank had been re-done. Guess what, NOT. I disconnected the fuel line off the peckcock and there was nothing comming out. Figured there had to be some sludge in the tank or the valve was bad. There had to be 30 lbs of rust and gunk in the tank. I have ordered a new one and a new sending unit from Classic Parts. Gonna give this a try and then see if the fuel pump still needs help. I feel like such a fool. Sorry guys. I will let you know what happens when I replace the fuel tank and peckcock.

eggo, we've all been there. Some of that crud may have have lodged in or damaged your fuel pump. But you'll know soon enough. And I'm sure you'll replace those filters, 'cause you know what they're full of!!!! Good luck.

Good advice about where else it may have traveled. Replaced my gas tank after finding it full of rusty gunk. The rest of the rusty gunk was in the fuel pump and carb even with a good fuel filter.

Hey guys. Finally got home and installed the new tank. She purrs like a kitten now! Got fuel, got air, got spark, got brakes, I now have a working stovebolt! Will have to post pics of progress/rebuild on the gallery site. Thanks everyone for all your help.

Big Tee,
That is not an uncommon occurance either. I see a lot of older cars regardless of make suffer from blocked fuel passage due to filters being plugged by the sediment in the fuel tank. Hopefully others will see this and check the sediment situation in their fuel tanks too.
Normbc9

I understand your pain. Had to install a new fuel tank myself. Rust was filling up my filters in just a few. I had to put new line, pump and carb on mine. Waited to long to install a tank. Good to hear you got it going.

sounds to me like the fuel pump may have the pressure but not the volume it needs, hence it can keep up at idle but not driving
it.

Well guys, sorry for the delay, but finally got back to the Big Bolt the other day. Found out after replacing the fuel system from tank to engine, dang thing still didn't run right under a load. Would only idle. So I took the carb apart again, nothing noticeable. Went online to see about another carb kit, and long behold, the Rochester BC has 2 kits available on the Napa site. Napa database only shows one, but Napa online showed two. They were the only ones who had the correct one. Ordered the other kit, put it in, and now runs like a top. Can't believe it. Starts without pumping and everything. Thanks for all the input and help everyone.