Expert: Brad Sears - 5/9/2008

Question
QUESTION: Starts great, idles, runs fine for 5 or 6 miles then starts with a subtle hesitation, going quickly in lurches and bucks and then stalls, seems to respond a bit to chocking and "standing on it" for a mile or so. Let it sit for a few min.s after a stall and it will start and lurch its way back home, let it sit for an hour or so and it starts the whole process over again. I put in an electric fuel pump but all else is original, just had points replaced, it has been doing this for two years and two mechanics and no solutions, can you help me! Sure to heck are frustrated as it runs near perfect for a few miles making me think I have beaten this issue and remember that this is too be a fun diversion, not a thorn in my side. Thanks and have a great day.

ANSWER: What kind of electric pump do you have on it and where is it located?
Brad

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Not sure of the type, however the local service station said the pressure is correct, it is mounted directly below tank where the fuel line exits. I can let it run at high rpm with the hand throttle and it will run smooth forever, only after actual driving for 5 to 10 min.s does it begin to hesitate, it stalls when you drop off the gas, but will run when you stomp on it. I am at wits end, it sure looks nice setting in the drive though.

Answer
Good, the fuel pump is located where it is supposed to be, below the level of the fuel at the tank. It sounds like there could be something in the tank blocking the pick up and then floats away when the engine is off. To prove it rig a five gallon external tank for a test. I do this all the time on these problems. If the problem does not happen with the external tank, then the problem is in the tank. Let me know.
Brad