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Engine dies - I'm stumped

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I'm about to just put the car away and try to forget I own it.
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Man, I have BEEN THERE! Best thing you can do sometimes is walk away and come back after you've had time to de-frustrate.

You'll find it. It's not going to be expensive or hard, just frustrating.

I'm going to go have a beer in solidarity with you. :encouragement:
 
My car has an electronic ignition, but, could this be points?
 
Steve is right. I think I'll have a beer in solidarity with you too.
 
The points were among the first things I replaced. Today I'm going to check valve clearances just to be sure that that portion of the engine is fully functional.
 
Nelson said:
The points were among the first things I replaced. Today I'm going to check valve clearances just to be sure that that portion of the engine is fully functional.
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Do what you need to Nelson, but valves don't unset themselves - at least not that much that quickly. Likewise carbs don't unadjust. My money is on simple and electrical.
 
I do believe the cause of my problem has been found. I did a compression test with nasty results. My compression has been aout 175 pounds. My tests now show anywhere from 25 to 100 pounds. I'm going to do a leakdown test but it certainly looks like I need to replace my head gasket. That could explain why it was running so ragged. After having replaced so many other parts I looking forward to actually finding something wrong rather than just guessing that any particular part might be the cause. If the leakdown test result is what I think it will be the head will probably be off later today.
 
Nelson said:
I do believe the cause of my problem has been found. I did a compression test with nasty results. My compression has been aout 175 pounds. My tests now show anywhere from 25 to 100 pounds. I'm going to do a leakdown test but it certainly looks like I need to replace my head gasket. That could explain why it was running so ragged. After having replaced so many other parts I looking forward to actually finding something wrong rather than just guessing that any particular part might be the cause. If the leakdown test result is what I think it will be the head will probably be off later today.
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sounds ominous but promising - keep us posted
 
Good to here you found a likely problem, Nelson. You have such a great history with that car that I sure hope you get to liking it again!:wink-new:

Personally recommend the black Payen head gasket. I've had no luck with the copper and steel sandwich.

Kurt.
 
It is off with the head. Leakdown was massive. It is such a relief to finally actually find something wrong. I'll have my beer after the head is off. I appreciate all the support from you guys. Tomorrow I'll drive over to Winner's Circle and see what they have for a gasket. It is great with their being only a 25 minute drive from here.
 
Not only will I not install a new condensor, I also cancelled my order for new HV wires. The money not spent there will go for new oil and antifreeze since the cylinders wound up with antifreeze in them.
 
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