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I had timing issues with my '52 Truck (3100). It would run fine for say 8 miles but then the motor would start to run rough - like all the cylinders weren't firing - it would sort buck or lurch and lose speed.

I discovered the previous owner attempted a 12 volt conversion - some parts were 6 volt, some 12 volt. No wonder it ran badly!

I've replaced the generator, regulator, battery, coil, light bulbs to 6 volt. I've polarized the generator. Everything seemed to run very nicely for a month now, but the old problem is back.

All I can think of is the headlight switch might be 12 volt? I don't know. Any ideas why the truck would run fine for a few miles and then start this rough timing issue?

Where does one start now? Thanks!

Headlight switch doesn't care if it is 12 volt or 6 volt.

Could be the condenser in the distributor is heating up and breaking down.

So I understand you have put it back to 6 volt? Did it have a ballast resistor in the line to the coil when they tried to convert it to 12 volt? If so is it still in the line? If it is then it needs to come out. 6 volt coils don't require the resistor in the line.

Could you have a fuel issue instead of ignition? Sometimes if the vented gas cap is stopped up it will run a few miles and then either die or run bad because it is pulling a vacuum on the fuel tank and can't pull enough fuel up to the engine.

Thanks Roy Rogers

I took the resistor off (small but important item I failed to mention).

I'll check the fuel cap and the condenser. The points and condenser probably need to be tuned up - I doubt they've been touched in a while (funny - I've never even looked at them). Sure hope it's one of those issues. Won't be able to get to it until Monday..Thanks!

I agree that it sounds like a fuel delivery issue to me. You description sounds like it's running out of gas. Fuel line restriction and/or bad pump is my guess.

Just looking at the fuel filter I could see "specks" on the screen. I don't know how dirty it's allowed to get, but I'll replace it anyway - who knows how long it's been there. I've had the truck 3 months and it's ran pretty good after each "fix" :-)

There are 4 issues that I have to fix to make this ride the way I want it. One is the bottom door and cab corners have rot. Two is I the bed is cockeyed by 7/8ths on the passenger side. There is no emergency brake assembly (I've been gathering parts). And lastly I have a squeek in the cab that drives me crazy.

Thanks guys. Before I break out the beer - I'll let you know how it works - after the fuel filter swap.

That does sound like trash in the gas tank. 60 years of rust, crud, and who knows what will choke a carb. I replaced my gas tank after fighting that issue. It was expensive, but no more fuel problems.