Expert: Brad Sears - 11/21/2007

Question
Brad

The electric fuel pump is mounted on the main frame about 20" in front of and below the gas tank. The car shuts off off at about 35 mph but most times goes back to idle. Sometimes it requires a re-start but if I just let out the clutch for a few moments it will eventually come back to life then I have to throttle coax it back to the house. It starts every time, does not miss, and idles perfect.
Any help on this would be much appreciated. I don't know where to look next having replaced the fuel pump and electric Carter Gearotor fuel pump as new just a few months back.  

Thanks Brad .

J Ed

Answer
If the electric pump is mounted 20 inches away from the tank that means that it is forward of the frame kick up over the rear axle. There could very well be a small pin hole from rust in the fuel line over the axle breaking the vacuum between the level of the fuel and the pump. Give that line a check and let me know.
Brad

Thinking about this a bit more I would like to see you take a fuel pressure test and volume test. Tap a tee fitting into the fuel line near the carburetor. Using a length of flexible hose first run it to a fuel pressure gage. With the engine idling it should read around 4 pounds per square inch. Then shut the engine down and remove the gage. Crimp the line with a small pair of vise grips so that it does not leak. Get a plastic milk jug handy and start the engine. Put the end of the line into the jug and release the vise grips. At the minimum you should get near a quart of fuel in 30 seconds. If you do the fuel system is ok and you need to look elsewhere. Inside the carburetor, the ignition system, toe ignition coil, points bouncing, distributor cap and more.
Brad