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Classic/Antique Car Repair/51 Pontiac 8
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Question
Hi there, I have a problem with my flathead straight 8. It has recently been converted to 12v.
1): it is breathing quite heavy from both road breather and oil filler...mainly on idle.
2): when started it appears to be burning the points quite quickly and in 1 instance actually made the coil explode.
3): It will start and tick over...although a little lumpy...but will not rev properly at all...like it cannot find all the cylinders.
4): Was running perfect when it went into the paint shop a year ago and has stood since but now having these problems.
Please please please can you help.
I am not a fan of converting to 12 volt and if not done correctly can cause these problems. The puffing sounds like the rings have stuck and the engine should have a compression test to determine the condition of the engine before anything is done.
Brad
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Answers by Expert:
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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