74 standard engine just quits after running for 5 minutes

[myghiarocks]

I have a 74 standard with a dual port 1600 engine..

For the last week the engine has started stalling after running perfect for 5 or 10 minutes. This happens while driving or idling.

I have tried 2 different carbs with same result, both carbs are good.

Tried removing plunger from fuel shut of solenoid. same result. no vacuum leaks.

009 dist with new points that work fine. Watched coil with test light during a stall out with no loss of power.

Fuel pump and filter are good.

Very strange problem. Almost seems like ignition is shutting off.

On a modern car or electronic ignition I would suspect a bad module.

Any Ideas?

[Buggeee]

Obviously you were chasing the float issue first, which is what the title would suggest is the problem, but is apparently not the problem.

I had a 70s Honda Civic once that did this and it turned out to be a tiny crack in the distributor cap. Moisture would develop in there when it warmed up and it would quit running. I never did see any droplets or anything but I changed the cap and the problem stopped.

That's all I've got. What a PITA. Good luck!!!

EDIT - what a bout a clogged vent in the gas cap that doesn't allow air to enter the tank as gas is being pulled out?
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[vwjetboat]

is there a fuel filter up front under the tank.. sounds like fuel pump ... how did you test pump ? how many psi ?

[vwjetboat]

and have you changed condenser ?

[wcfvw69]

*Check fuel filter/filters and possible debris in fuel tank.
*What fuel pump and what PSI is it putting out?
*Condensers love to fail like this as do coils.
*Cap/rotor. Check them closely.
*Any loose power wires to the coil or at the coil?
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[myghiarocks]

thanks bugee, tried removing gas cap and running engine, same result.

Vwjetboat, there is no filter up front. maybe the filter in the tank is bad.

I have not changed the condenser.

fuel is visually running through the filter and into the carb right up to stall condition.

Fuel filter remains 1/3 full under running conditions and during stall.

[vwjetboat]

id change the condenser then.. I have seen them do exactly what you describe and its cheap so not like ya dishing out a lot of money to parts change to solve issue..

[myghiarocks]

Thanks guys

Will change coil and condenser tomorrow. hoping for luck and results.

This has become frustrating.

[vwjetboat]

id do condenser first.. don't change more then 1 part at a time..

[VW_Jimbo]

My money is on the condenser or the rotor. Some times the rotor burns through and grounds on the drive shaft instead of at the plugs!
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Jimbo

There is never enough time to do it right the first time, but all the time necessary the second time!

[Cusser]

When it stalls next, spray some aerosol starter fluid into the air cleaner, see if it starts up. I'm wondering if this is one of those situations when the fuel pump intermediate flange heats up and grabs the fuel pump pushrod.

Also, if spark related, one of those inexpensive spark tester things that visually show spark might help.

First thing is to positively identify whether the issue is fuel-related or sparking-related, like for ANY troubleshooting like this.
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[rockerarm]

Hi. As Mr Cusser stated you need to be up on some basic diagnostic skills here. Here are a few basic tests one could use but would need to do them immediately when this occurs.

1- Remove air filter and peer into the carb air-horn to verify it isn't flooding over.
2- If not, then with a test light attached to coil term 1, key on, car in neutral, hand crank engine over and verify test light goes off-on during turning engine over.
3- If ok, I'd remove carb top and see if float bowl is full or empty.

Over the last few years I have seen parts failures at an alarming rate. Condenser's, points, floats, etc.
Also verify your gas tank is vented properly. I have seen a gas tank begin to suck itself inwards from this.

Hope this helps, Bill.

[myghiarocks]

Hi guys

Changed the condenser and I think it has solved the problem.

After 30 minutes still running fine. will close the book on this one after a few more run cycles.

It would be my first condenser failure in many years of wrenching. Both domestic and foreign makes. Always time for a first. last thing to check as usual.

Thanks for the help

[andrewwebb58]

glad you were able to figure it out. Thanks for reporting back!
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[vwjetboat]