Hi.
This weekend, following a very satisfying 25 mi run in hot weather w/o any issue, after a stop at a crossing, engine lost all of its power, finally stalling. I could easily restart it, but it kept stalling with no power. After 3 or 4 attempts, it started and kept running as usual, with full power including climbing uphill streets.
Arrived at home and waiting for the portal to open to go uphill on my driveway, same scenario : no more power, repeated stalls… Finally managed to bring the car on the horizontal surface of my parking, after a small dozen of start/full throttle (anticipating the loss of power…)/clutching-in/stall. Stopped the engine for 3 min in order to open the garage, then started it and maneuvered the car as if nothing had happened…
It seemed to me that this issue was fuel (and not ignition)-related, having no sign of misfire/surge/noises.
To make it short :
- Following a ride in hot weather (nearing 104°C, but engine kept between 160 and 180 °F), brutal and total loss of power and repeated engine stalls after 2 small stops at idle on moderate uphill slopes. Fuel in the tank, gauge at ½ (and fitted with the correct orientation !).
- Even during these difficult sequences, starting was (hopefully !) very easy and immediate, so a vapor-lock issue doesn’t appear to be the culprit at first sight,
- Carbs fully overhauled (no air leak, new jets and needle, new seals, no float issue, tuning done, and so on), electronic ignition, SU pump replaced 3 years ago.
--> My guess : fuel starvation issue. As it happened when briefly idling on a moderate slope (the fuel pick-up is on the front of the tank), yesterday I tried to run the car with a jack under the front member in order to simulate a slope, but it had no effect and the engine kept idling w/o any problem. So, the remaining option would be a temporarily clogged fuel line (but if so, why didn't it occur during the ride ?). I didn’t check the pump’s built-in filter yet, nor the filter (metal-made, so I can’t see inside) fitted before the carbs, nor the (original) tank itself.
Do you agree with my conclusion ? And before I start dismantling all the stuff, do you recommend some additional tests to confirm the issue ?
Thank you in advance for your ideas / advices.
Matt
This weekend, following a very satisfying 25 mi run in hot weather w/o any issue, after a stop at a crossing, engine lost all of its power, finally stalling. I could easily restart it, but it kept stalling with no power. After 3 or 4 attempts, it started and kept running as usual, with full power including climbing uphill streets.
Arrived at home and waiting for the portal to open to go uphill on my driveway, same scenario : no more power, repeated stalls… Finally managed to bring the car on the horizontal surface of my parking, after a small dozen of start/full throttle (anticipating the loss of power…)/clutching-in/stall. Stopped the engine for 3 min in order to open the garage, then started it and maneuvered the car as if nothing had happened…
It seemed to me that this issue was fuel (and not ignition)-related, having no sign of misfire/surge/noises.
To make it short :
- Following a ride in hot weather (nearing 104°C, but engine kept between 160 and 180 °F), brutal and total loss of power and repeated engine stalls after 2 small stops at idle on moderate uphill slopes. Fuel in the tank, gauge at ½ (and fitted with the correct orientation !).
- Even during these difficult sequences, starting was (hopefully !) very easy and immediate, so a vapor-lock issue doesn’t appear to be the culprit at first sight,
- Carbs fully overhauled (no air leak, new jets and needle, new seals, no float issue, tuning done, and so on), electronic ignition, SU pump replaced 3 years ago.
--> My guess : fuel starvation issue. As it happened when briefly idling on a moderate slope (the fuel pick-up is on the front of the tank), yesterday I tried to run the car with a jack under the front member in order to simulate a slope, but it had no effect and the engine kept idling w/o any problem. So, the remaining option would be a temporarily clogged fuel line (but if so, why didn't it occur during the ride ?). I didn’t check the pump’s built-in filter yet, nor the filter (metal-made, so I can’t see inside) fitted before the carbs, nor the (original) tank itself.
Do you agree with my conclusion ? And before I start dismantling all the stuff, do you recommend some additional tests to confirm the issue ?
Thank you in advance for your ideas / advices.
Matt