74 B starts stops then difficult to start again

[ron wilson]

74 B Starts fine but after running for 10 miinutes when I stop at stop lite it dies and will not start again for about 10 minutes. It turns over fine but will not fire

 

[zahnej]

When it stops, squirt some ether in the air cleaner. If it starts, if only for a few seconds, you probably have fuel delivery problems, if not it's probably electrical. I'm not familiar with that car but if it has pollution control stuff on it - air pumps - egr - etc. I would look at that too.

 

[PAUL161]

Ron, Even though I don't think 10 min. is enough time to create a vapor lock, I would make sure that your fuel line is well clear of any heat source. Sounds like a typical vapor lock problem, but as we all know, Lucas has a way of throwing it's two cents in on occasion. Hot coil, weak condenser (for starting problem). Even a heat sensitive electrical connection.

 

[DrEntropy]

FWIW, I'd say check that the two low volt leads at the coil are clean and make good contact, and perhaps check the fuel pump flow in the driveway: Time a 1-pint flow before starting the engine, then again after a ten or fifteen minute "warm up" of the engine. Should both take the same amount of time... about a minute.

 

[PAUL161]

Re: 74 B starts stops then difficult to start agai

When it stops, squirt some ether in the air cleaner. If it starts, if only for a few seconds, you probably have fuel delivery problems, if not it's probably electrical. I'm not familiar with that car but if it has pollution control stuff on it - air pumps - egr - etc. I would look at that too.

Not to dispute your post, but squirting starting fluid of any type in a hot engine is not advisable. As starting fluid has a very low ignition point, it will pre ignite in a hot engine and even though it's rare, it can cause piston failure and even bend a connecting rod.

 

[DrEntropy]

Re: 74 B starts stops then difficult to start agai

/bcforum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/iagree.gif I would NEVER suggest using ether based "starting fluid" for anything. Especially anything you want to keep.


...mebbe for cleaning lawnmower parts.

 

[zahnej]

Re: 74 B starts stops then difficult to start agai

Paul, you are right on the hot engine!! I've used ether for over 40 years to diagnose engine problems but I've probably been lucky on the hot ones. In addition to the bad things that can happen in your post I always worry about blowing a head gasket hot or cold - sure will make an engine start though - especially in my former home in Wisconsin.

 

[tony barnhill]

Re: 74 B starts stops then difficult to start agai

Does the distributor still have a condenser? If so, change it & see what happens.

 

[ron wilson]

Re: 74 B starts stops then difficult to start agai

Thanks for the ideas. It appears the problem ws with the condenser.

 

[tony barnhill]

Re: 74 B starts stops then difficult to start agai

DING!!

 

[vping]

Re: 74 B starts stops then difficult to start agai

/bcforum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/winner1.gif

 

[jlaird]

Re: 74 B starts stops then difficult to start agai

Tony wins the prise, oh wait what prise.