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Its hot now wat ??

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donandmax

Senior Member
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1979 Midget 1500.
Problem: At temps above 80 deg(F) after about 45 min. on the open road the engine begins to hesitate and even dies at stoplights. Starts up immediately at the turn of the key. It hesitates so much that I don,t think sometimes I'm going to make it home. Below 80 deg. I can drive it all day around town and it runs and idles perfect. I have a auto zone electric pump mounted back by the tank. I have 2 heat shield installed at the ZS carb. One that came with the car and another I designed from a thin aluminum pie plate with fibreglas insulation on top. Gas line is away from the engine and tacked to the inner fender well. I couldnt get the gas line any further from the engine and still have it under the hood. I'm not touching carb adjustments because like I said it runs perfect at lower temps. If gas is boiling in the carb. I cant do anything about that either. Ive taken all the precautions I can as far as shielding the carb. I've also removed the cat. converted which Iam sure got rid of gobs of heat. I'm out of ideas guys. Any suggestions ?
Thanks
Don
 
what does the temp gauge read?

Does it run fine for long periods (over 45 min) in colder weather?

Sure sounds like you've done everything obvious except ignition timing....
 
If I was a beting man I would bet on coil or condencer.
 
Morris, I have a pertronex with their 40,000 volt coil. I was thinking ignition also, but pulling the choke on seems to solve the problem so Ive ruled out electrical..What do you think ? Temp. of engine is midrange, engine not overheating. Jack Think I just might try a different coil you may be right. I'll let you know..
Don
Don
 
Hi Jack. I'm retired USAF myself
52-72 (I'm an old guy) Don't know why Iam still fartin around with these little cars. Something to do I guess but it sure keeps me busy.. Email me sometime. donandmax@yahoo.com
see ya
Don
 
mine is acting similar in these 90+ days, but doesnt die, although it idles really low and sputters a little....i still need to fine tune my carbs though....who knows, at least its running! haha ; )
i dont have a pretronix though.....yet....zzimmmyy
 
Mebbe a clogged cannister could be causing it to lean out. I am not sure how ambient temp would affect that, though.

Mebbe it's an overheating fuel pump.
 
Had similar problem, dying at stoplights. replaced fuel pump and pcv valve, cleaned emissions sytem: I don't know which one worked, but it didn't do it anymore.
 
Your car has a mechanical fuel pump.
Be sure that it is putting out enough fuel (1/2 pint in about 10 seconds of cranking should be OK).

Be sure that the fuel screen (in the pump) isn't clogged and check any fuel filters you have.
Many of these older cars have had the fuel tank vents (going to the charcoal canister) plugged (when they are being "de-smogged"). This can prevent the tank from venting. To be sure, try running with the gas cap loose (or off).
And be sure that the float bowl (in the carb) isn't full of crud.
Some poor running in hot weather is due to minor vapor-lock, but your's sounds like a fuel delivery problem.
 
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