Classic/Antique Car Repair/1956 Tbird stalling

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Expert: - 11/3/2008


Question
My 56 Tbird stalls out after driving 5-10 miles. I then can restart it, usually right away but it only goes a mile or so and then stalls. It's usually harder to start this time without waiting a few minutes. Then stalls again in less than a mile.

Answer
Sounds very much like a plugged fuel filter or a weak fuel pump. I assume that it stalls as you are driving along, if this is not the case let me know. I would take a fuel pressure and volume test. The fuel pressure should be between 4 and 6 pounds and the pump should deliver a pint of fuel or more in half a minute. If the fuel is ok then a check of the ignition system is in order. Keep me posted.
Brad

Classic/Antique Car Repair

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Brad Sears

Expertise

All automotive including antique and collectible. However if the car has been modified I can only answer in general terms and maybe get you pointed in the right direction.

Experience

Automotive tech instructor. Syndicated auto columnist 1970's though the early 1990's. Syndicated auto radio talk show, Ask Brad About cars, CBS Radio 70's through 90's TV Show "Last Chance Garage" 1980's PBS-TV syndicated. Auto instructor for the following companies: Fram Autolyte Holly Carter AMF Ford Motor University Of Conn Blue Hills Technical School Sugar River Technical Center Grew up in a family garage in Needham Mass and turned wrenches from the age of 14.

Publications
Manchester Union Leader, Nashua Telegraph, Motor Service Magazine, Yankee Magazine, Popular Mechanics (Saturday Mechanic early 80's), Los Angeles Times, New York Times, and lots more.

Education/Credentials
More than I care to remember. Basically Franklin Technical Institute in Boston, Northeastern University, Fitchburg State Teachers College, Tufts University, and a lot of factory schools along the way.

Awards and Honors
Moto Award winner. And much more.

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