54 developed a problem today. maybe you guys can help? Driving down the highway today, cruisin right along around 50-55, and the truck starts to putter then stalls. I end up coming to a complete stop, then turning it over it, the battery starts draining, no start, I get a jump from someone, 20 minutes later, and it starts right up very strong. Later on the highway again, putters, like its going to die, I tap the accelerator a bunch, downshift, whatever works, I barely made it home. runnin a 235/rochester/ 12v with alternator I'm sure the carb could use a rebuilding, the coil is pretty old, what do you guys think?
I have had problems with more than one GM cars of that era similar to what you have and it ended up being the fuel pick up screen in the gas tank being plugged up and would run just fine for awhile and then start starving for fuel until you let it sit for a few minutes then run fine for awhile and then do it again. They had a very fine mesh screen at the tank pick up. If the coil doesn't fix the problem then you might want to check it out.
If by puttering you mean it started slowing down, losing power, and then stopped, I would look at fuel filter, fuel pump, etc. Usually these things more than coils. Why, do I say that? In my 70 years of driving I have never had a coil go bad while driving, points, yes, but almost always fuel starvation. traderjack
Coils an old Delco, looks pretty aged.. points, wires, and plugs are brand new, Fuel pump has the glass perculator filter on top which looks perfectly clean through the glass. But does also have a big ol ac filter mounted to the firewall, I found out were installed most times to prevent vapor lock? Has a 2 wire alternator, could be something going on there, maybe I should remove that and have it tested?
If not electrical go to the screen in the fuel tank . Make sure tank is clean and pour some stabile fuel additive in it. Also check and make sure that any part of gas line that is rubber is replaced. Over the years they collapse on the inside and cut off fuel.
Try all the stuff that can block up filters wise 1st fuel line, tank, air filter & carb. Also look for loose or wires with exposed copper. If this fails, then start swapping things out, start with coil, fuel pump and so on. Had a GMC pickup that used to do that too me every time I got in the out side lane doing 70 mph in heavy traffic, it is character building!
what kind of coil do you have...ive had the same problem with autozone and advance auto coils..my problem was cheap coils geting to hot..
Fuel tank not venting. Your gas cap vent may not be clear. If it happens again pull over (like you have any other choice) and pull off the cap. If you hear a swoosh coming from the tank you know thats your problem. Good Luck John
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