help trying to make this thing run right

[53farm]

I've got a '53 3600 with a 235 in it. I have replaced the plugs, wires, cap, points, and condenser. I have verified that all fuel lines are clear, albeit old. I have a new gas tank on the way for whatever thats worth. It has been converted to 12 volt by previous owner.

When I bought it, the guy said he had been keeping the battery disconnected because something kept draining it. It did run when I bought it, and I drove it into my driveway. I've had it running/idling on its own (once off a gas can and once off its own old gas tank) on two occasions in the last couple weeks. When I put it in gear to back it out of the driveway, it cuts off after a foot or two. It has done this on both occasions. After that it acts like the battery is dead, or almost dear as it cranks really slow, and I have to use the starter/charger to start it again. Once I have it started again, I have to keep giving it gas, otherwise it would cut off.. This was always on the second start however. It would run on its own, without me giving it gas, on the first start/run before I try to move it.

I know the battery that I'm using was good to start with because I took it out of my running/regularly driven '63 Bel Air. At this point I'm pretty sure this is an electrical problem, no? Do you all think this is a wiring issue, or a bad alternator? I have a new, but basic, 12V wiring harness to put in it, but was trying to wait until I could get some more paint/metal work done. I really need to get this thing running regularly so I can at least be able to move it around before I continue progressing on it. Thoughts or advice is appreciated. Thanks!

[Nordic]

Have you checked to makes sure dist is set on number 1 and spark plug wiring is correct? Timing is set right?

[Donaldo]

Have you checked the fuel pump pressure and the carb accelerator pump and float level ?

[53farm]

Thanks for the quick replies! Forgot to mention before, I did also put a new fuel pump on it in the last month or so. Previous owner said the carb on it is new/rebuilt. It does look fairly new, but that doesn't really mean anything I guess. I have not dug into the carb specifically yet, no.

I'm fairly certain I set the point gap correctly when I put the new points in, and that I have the plug wires in the right order. Its been awhile since I did it, but I think I set it so that the point gap was at its widest when motor was at top dead center. I believe I used the bead on the flywheel to find top dead center. Does that make sense? Is there another way I should be verifying correct timing? Forgive my ignorance, I'm learning...but loving it.

[MARTINSR]

Ok, let me make perfectly clear that I know jack about mechanical stuff like this. But having a brilliant mechanic for a brother I have a lot of exposure, just let me throw that out there.

If it's cranking slowly, I don't believe there is ANYTHING the fuel delivery could have to do with it, be it fuel pump or carb. So JUST with that one symptom it HAS to be electrical in the starter circuit. HOWEVER, if the timing is too advanced it can turn over slow too but usually it would fire up because with it advanced the plugs are firing too soon thus the fuel is burning and making it hard to for the piston to continue on it's way up, making it crank slow. But as I said it usually would fire up because the plug is firing the fuel.

But I know this isn't going to be a big deal when you find the problem. How about a bad ground? Have you checked the ground straps from frame to motor? And from battery to frame? Pull the bolt and clean it and re-install being sure it's bare metal at the contact points.

Brian

[Nordic]

Maybe this will help.
http://www.secondchancegarage.com/pu...gine-specs.cfm

[Highsider]

This is a similar issue, covered two months ago, here:

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=618770

[53farm]

Thanks again folks. I'll check/replace the ground strap and I guess try and get that new wiring harness on it and see what happens. New gas tank and sending unit showed up too, so need to try and get the old one yanked out too. Will post again when its hopefully running right.