a 337 LINCOLN flathead running CRAPPY

got a 337 flattie as some of you know in my 50 Lincoln. I've been driving it for about 4 years, no problem. (after switching to a "modern" carb, as opposed to Holleys stupid backdraft carb). I drove from Pittsburgh to Indy last year and 1000+ miles afterwards. well, on a 250 mile round trip venture this past weekend it seems like it's not running on all cylinders. but all the plugs are good, with no signs of unburnt fuel. switched coils, condenser, new points even, but no help. thought it might be vapor lock since it was balls hot here in PA/OH area...but that's not it. i did discover my p***. side water pump has a fairly marginal leak so i thought maybe a bad head gasket due to overhating? but the radiatior shows the water level being right up on top. anyone have any suggestions??? Thanks all!!

-ace

 

hey mate,

have you dont a comp check on all cylinders? could leave it running and try removing one spark lead at a time, see if it makes any difference and you can check for spark at the same time.

Danny

 

I know it seems stupid-simple, but maybe the fuel filter? My filter issue presented itself with a stumbly, if-I-had-ankles-one-would-be-sprained kind of feeling.

 

yeah, tried the old pulling wires trick, i found one possibly two that aren't running, but they're on the opposite side of the water pump that's leaking! however, the plugs don't have unburnt fuel on them. i also changed the fuel filter first above all else...no help! thanks guys

ace

 

also upon pulling off the wires, the wires all had spark, forgot to mention that. at idle it's running like someone turned my idle adjuster WAY down to nothing, sort of a slow (sorry for the "sound effect") "lub lub lub lub". sounds almost like a vacuum leak. but can't find any! even adjusted timing. no help either...this ****s! one week til Indy!

 

Pluged carburator jets. Pogo

 

I think the question is- fuel starvation or timing issue- Sounds sort of like it could be either.
Fuel wise, check thats there is fuel actually in the bowl. Filter may be good, but a chunk of rust could clog up anywhere in the line or the carb.

 

Check for burnt valves exaust!! N I bet u got atleast one crack in the intake port runing to ur cylinder, I would get head gaskets and pull the heads off!! They are about 65$ and valves r 15$ each, egge has what u need! I have two of these monsters, hope u fix if, also check for air leaks in ur fuel line runing to ur thank.