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Project Cars--You Get to Vote on "Hold 'em or Fold 'em"

25623 messages,  Last post on May 10, 2013 at 9:03 AM

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#24783 of 25623 Re: Thanks guys... [andre1969] by xwesx

Oct 24, 2012 (2:57 pm)

Replying to: andre1969 (Oct 24, 2012 10:20 am)
In the past, when I've had starters fail, they'd fail completely....no start at all, hot or cold. So, this "partial" failure is a new thing to me I guess.
 
That's funny, andre, because my starter experience is the exact opposite! I've never had one completely fail. Most typically, at least for my old rigs (van and trucks), they do exactly as yours is doing: Start fine when cold, but start hard when hot or not at all (just clicks). Naturally, a jump does nothing to help. Time, however, is the ace. Sometimes the hammer tap trick works to free it, too (reluctantly).

#24784 of 25623 . by fintail

Oct 28, 2012 (5:00 pm)

Got a chance to drive the old beast again today - will be the last time for several weeks as I will be away. Should be a nice test of battery strength when I return.
 
Car was looking decent today - doesn't seem to be aging on the outside anyway:
 

 
Intermittent miss/sputter/misfire at some speeds around 20-30, I think the idle speed is set a little high, which weirdly impacts how the car runs at any speed below about 50. Easy adjustment when I drive again.

#24785 of 25623 Re: . [fintail] by Mr_Shiftright HOST

Oct 28, 2012 (5:07 pm)

Replying to: fintail (Oct 28, 2012 5:00 pm)
ignition point gap is CRITICAL on these cars.

#24786 of 25623 Re: . [Mr_Shiftright] by fintail

Oct 28, 2012 (5:13 pm)

Replying to: Mr_Shiftright (Oct 28, 2012 5:07 pm)
I converted to electronic ignition over 10 years ago. Was having problems sourcing breaker points, so I just jumped into the future.
 
It's done this before, usually can be adjusted out. Last time the car was in the shop, I was told the cold start system is starting to wear out, too - that could be involved.

#24787 of 25623 Re: . [fintail] by Mr_Shiftright HOST

Oct 28, 2012 (7:04 pm)

Replying to: fintail (Oct 28, 2012 5:13 pm)
oh maybe some vacuum leaks, causing lean mixture? That's right, I remember you told me you went to EI. Funky plug wires might do that, too. These engines can be a bit fussy.

#24788 of 25623 Re: . [Mr_Shiftright] by fintail

Oct 28, 2012 (8:21 pm)

Replying to: Mr_Shiftright (Oct 28, 2012 7:04 pm)
I'll check the plug wires next time I drive it - maybe one is loose. They are no more than a few years old, I'd hope they are still ok. Every now and then the car has done this, it comes and goes. It was having a pretty good run this summer, no sputters or lugging down (the car runs better when kept in 3rd longer than the automatic shift point).
 
The car has developed typical intermittent cold start system issue - it would start and run beautifully when cold, but get lumpy when warm. So I changed some settings and made it so it is a little lumpier when cold, but smooth when warm - but a very slightly fast idle. Maybe I should change it back with the cooling weather. Like many old cars, it likes cooler weather more than hot.
 
The electronic ignition was a great investment. Cleaning/changing points was tiresome, and the car was becoming finicky in damp weather. Since the upgrade, virtually no similar problems, and none of that high maintenance.

#24789 of 25623 Re: . [fintail] by xwesx

Oct 28, 2012 (10:09 pm)

Replying to: fintail (Oct 28, 2012 8:21 pm)
I have had several folks recommend an upgrade to electronic ignition on my pickup, but I still haven't done that. I actually have an EI distributor sitting in my shed (for the last eight years!), but I've not had any problems with the original distributor at this point, so to me there's no driving need to "upgrade."

#24790 of 25623 Re: . [xwesx] by michaell

Oct 29, 2012 (6:26 am)

Replying to: xwesx (Oct 28, 2012 10:09 pm)
I have had several folks recommend an upgrade to electronic ignition on my pickup, but I still haven't done that.
 
I'm pretty sure my dad switched over to EI on his '70 Chevy pickup.

#24791 of 25623 Needs more power! by Mr_Shiftright HOST

Oct 29, 2012 (8:16 am)

How about 1000 cubic inches?
 

#24792 of 25623 Re: . [xwesx] by fintail

Oct 29, 2012 (8:45 am)

Replying to: xwesx (Oct 28, 2012 10:09 pm)
Probably no need until things wear out. The parts for that truck are also easy to find. I was having problems finding points (this was before the internet parts business was so big), so I just took the plunge - it was no more than $200 IIRC.

Messages Page 2480 of 2563

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