The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop Help!, truck stall has me stumped.

Guys, Help! My stock 53 3600 normally runs fine, but yesterday I had to have it towed home. Some history, recently addded 3 ozs. of Lucas fuel cleaner. top off my tank which was on 3/4. truck ran great about 2 weeks ago the last time I drove it. Yesterday, it was hard to keep it running even choked at higher rpm. Seemed to really hesitate under load, but would stall sitting still. Also really really hard to start. I'm stumped. Greatly appreciate any help.

Check your point gap, and/or the point contacts for being dirty or burned. The point rubbing block has a bad habit or wearing, which closes up the gap. That retards the timing, and also messes up the coil saturation and condenser discharge. If the ignition checks out OK, try a fuel pump volume test. You could have a clogged fuel filter or a restricted outlet in the fuel tank causing fuel starvation. Check ignition first, then fuel.
Jerry

I'll try what you suggest. I was thinking fuel pump, since it is intermittent and not dead all together. It's been running great till yesterday, then as I described. The carb was rebuilt about 3 months ago, the fuel filter was new then. Points and condensor new at the same time. Fuel pump is older, just didn't replace because it was working ok. I did research the construction of the pump and do see how it can become intermittent before dying. Thanks so much for all your suggestions.

My 52 216 stopped running and I could not figure it out. They are simple machines - just gas & spark. Someone suggested replacing the rotor and cap. I replaced them for $15 and now it runs like a champ. It is the little things that drive you nuts.

Best of luck

Since I'm left handed,I think on the other side of my brain.You said it normally ran fine.You added a fuel cleaner,now you have a problem.I think the fuel cleaner did it's job,and you have crud in the fuel line,and/or filter

3 ounces of cleaner to a full tank of gas would have about as much effect as whizzing on a forest fire. The problem is probaqbly just a coincidence.
Jerry

hahahaha!good one

Thanks to everyone. OK, Got it running. Yeah, the fuel cleaner was a coincedence, but I had never used it before so I was suspicious because of the situation. 1st, I need to get some glasses, the points had a very clean 1/16" hole through the middle of the stationary side which I hadn't noticed at first, the cond. also shot. The "SMP" dr60 condesor only lasted 150 miles, whats up with that? I also changed out the fuel pump for good measure, since I don't know the age of the original one. I will get a new rotor and cap since I'm on a roll. Thanks again to everyone for their input and solutions, sometimes I forget to look for the simple solutions first.

That hole in thre stationary point is normal for some of them. The idea was to spread out the contact area over a wider surface than right in the center where most points put it. It was necessary to do a very careful alignment of the ventilated ground point on a distributor tester by bending the stationary point mount with a special tool and watching the tiny spark as the points would make and break. Doing it on the vehicle was almost impossible, so most shade tree shops didn't install the vented points.
Jerry

Thanks for the info on the vented points, I think for now I'll stay with the good'ol solid type, but I think I'm headed for electronic ignition unless I can find reasons not to. Thanks again.

If you are going electronic ign some day , I suggest you put PERTRONIX on your "to be considered" list.

I have several in service now and some have been in daily use for 12yrs without any issues.

Regards