Gasoline preservatives will keep gas fresh for 6 months or so. 2 year old
gas is certainly way past it's experation date and should be dealt with.
If you are dealing with very warm temperatures vapor lock is much
more of an issue than it was back when our cars were new and using "real
gas". Modern fuel is designed for closed fuel systems and evaporates much
more readly in our open systems. Also it often contains 10% or more ethanol
that will eventually eat up all the old rubber in our systems. Dick
----- Original Message -----
From: "Garrett" <TheBulkster@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
To: <L-FORWARDLOOK@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Sent: Sunday, July 04, 2010 7:09 PM
Subject: [FWDLK] Engine running fine...dies...won't re-start
As the subject said, my car (1957 Dodge Coronet) was running just fine,
stuttered a couple of times, and now it won't re-start.
I started it and let it idle a few minutes, drove it a couple of miles and
parked it. Then after an hour or so I started it again, it idled for a
few minutes while I put air in a tire, drove it to the mailbox where I
grabbed the mail, and then the problem occurred. It had no other issues
throughout the day. It is a hot and miserable day today and the engine
was definitely warm. I have a couple thoughts as to potential issues, but
am more interested in what folks here on the list feel the issue might be.
The situation occurred after I was sitting on a somewhat steep hill idling
for a minute or two. I put it in gear to proceed, it went a little
distance to where it leveled out again, and the engine died. It started a
couple more times for a few seconds but wouldn't stay running. At first I
thought maybe idling on the hill caused a carb/fuel delivery related
issue. I checked the fuel filter and throughout my various starting
attempts it would be anywhere from completely full to nearly empty. I
loosened the fuel filter nut a couple times and there was apparently some
pressure built up somewhere as when I loosened the nut fuel would rush
into the filter (so hopefully the pump is ok). I did notice that some of
the seals on the carb began to look wet, as if there was a lot of fuel in
there, not going anywhere.
The car is sitting out front now. Knowing my luck it will turn right over
and start if I go try it later tonight, but in case the problem is
something more serious, I'd like to get some ideas right away.
The fuel gauge doesn't work but I put a couple more gallons of gas in the
tank anyway. I don't think gas level is the issue, although I am somewhat
concerned about the age of the gas in the tank. I last filled the tank a
couple years ago, but did put an additive that I believe is supposed to
help stabilize the fuel (such as when sitting a while and not doing a lot
of moving)...not sure exactly what it was though. That being said, what
are the chances the car would start and run fine for a while if the gas
was bad?
Any ideas? Any other details I neglected to provide? I didn't really
have a chance to look at the ignition side of things. I did see that the
carb would still squirt fuel when pumping the throttle, but perhaps the
engine was flooded? I've only ever had flooding/vapor lock issues on cold
days, so this seems weird to me on a hot, miserable day.
As usual, your help is greatly appreciated.
-Garrett
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