engine runs fine for a few minutes then stalls - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

lilpup69chevy · 11-30-2006, 03:32 AM

i am curious to anyone who has had a problem like i'm having on my 68 chevy i just bought with a 250 I6 3 spd truck, anywho on the way home it ran fine till i got about halfway home with it then it started cutting out and acting like it was out of gas but it had half a tank, well left it went to the shop to get some tools took off the fuel filter started up ran a little rough at first then it ran fine the rest of the way then died in my yard, well the things i've done its not a carb problem as the choke is not sticking, no vaccum leaks at carb, tried another carb that i know is fine still does it, it really acts like it is starving for fuel, but there is fuel coming out of the line when you crank it, is it possible for it to get weak as it warms up or is it just an ignition problem perhaps? it has me baffled at the moment because i've checked most of the basic stuff any tips or ideas are appreciated thanks

**Palf70Step** · 11-30-2006, 06:38 AM

Sounds like some junk got in the fuel lines or carb. Since you switched carbs, I 'd say it eliminates the carb being clogging up as the issue. You could have some trash in the tank that might be clogging up the pickup sock. The other possibility is your fuel pump might be going.

Misstur_big · 11-30-2006, 07:52 AM

did you check fuel pump pressure?
If its no the pump my et would be trash in the fuel tank pluging up the pickup screen.

cduster · 11-30-2006, 12:20 PM

fuel tank vent plugged? try loosening the gas cap and see if that helps. Just a thought.

Jayman931 · 11-30-2006, 05:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Misstur_big

did you check fuel pump pressure?
If its no the pump my et would be trash in the fuel tank pluging up the pickup screen.

fuel pressure issue...i agree

PanelDeland · 11-30-2006, 05:12 PM

You may also want to check the points and condenser,.I've seen them show an open when warm.Or if it has been upgraded to an HEI it could be the module.I would think the fuel problem more likely but if that's not it.....

lilpup69chevy · 11-30-2006, 07:10 PM

ok guys thanks for the tip, i was thinkin it sure seems like its an issue of lack of fuel, gonna try a different pump and look and see what the tank and lines look like i have a few other trucks that may have what i need, if its the points then i have an hei setup for it and i'll just switch it over thanks for your help guys

**Boog** · 11-30-2006, 08:50 PM

If you do switch it over to HEI be sure it has a full 12 volts going to it. The points dist uses about 9 on a resistor wire.

**truckdude239** · 11-30-2006, 08:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PanelDeland

You may also want to check the points and condenser,.I've seen them show an open when warm.Or if it has been upgraded to an HEI it could be the module.I would think the fuel problem more likely but if that's not it.....

my truck would cut off at an idel turned out the points where gone

**Boog** · 11-30-2006, 09:41 PM

If you've got fuel and spark it's supposed to run. Turning the engine over pumps fuel out the line so that takes care of that. Do you have spark to the plugs when turning it over? What about the exhaust? Free flowing or old crusty original? Sometimes an old exhaust pipe can colapse inside restricting the flow and shut one down.
First thing to check is whether it still has spark to the plugs and fuel in the carb just after it shuts down.

lilpup69chevy · 11-30-2006, 10:44 PM

yes it has both of those after it shuts down, the thing with the exhaust is it is just a straight pipe so no restriction, i'm thinkin its a weak fuel pump or the points now, because i keep checking the fuel filter in the carb and its not getting any trash in it nor is it stopping up my inline filter so guess gonna put another fuel pump on it after i check the points, is it possible for the coil to act something like that???

**Boog** · 11-30-2006, 11:15 PM

Well, usually a coil dies pretty quick. That's not to say that's not your problem but my experience with bad coils has been when driving along it loses power and misfires a bunch 'till it finally quits and will not restart. I would do a tuneup on it with points, condensor, rotor, cap and plugs, maybe wires too. Then if you get a good blue spark at the plugs you have a good coil and this should eliminate the ignition system as the source of the problem. Oh and the points dist runs on about 9 volts. The power wire to the dist is most likely a resistor wire. If someone has run 12 volts to the dist the points won't last long. The HEI dist does need a full 12 volts. You'll need to check this. HTH
About the fuel: when the engine shuts down reach out there and loosen the gas cap and see if there is a whoooosh sound. If so then the tank is not venting and actually under a vacumn and after a while the pump cannot pull enough gas out of it. If I'm not mistaken the early ones used a vented gas cap for this reason. Like trying to pour gas from a can without the vent hole open, see.

lilpup69chevy · 12-02-2006, 08:59 PM

well good news guys i got it running and all the asumptions i checked at first were wrong, but when i went to check the points that was not the problem the distributor shaft was wore out, i guess the bushing itself? i know it had about a 1/2 inch of play in it so i grabbed another dist out of another truck and changed it and put in new points and condensor put on the stock carb and it runs like a top. by the way i did check everything else and i appreciate all the tips because i'm sure since this truck sat awhile it needed to be checked but i hope me telling exactly what the problem was helps someone else in the future thanks again guys

68C15 · 12-03-2006, 08:58 AM

I would still swap over to HEI. its just a matter of time till the other dizzy gives out. to this day have yet to see a reman dizzy with new shaft. worn points cam = short dwell time=weak spark.

11-30-2006, 03:32 AM	#1
lilpup69chevy 67-72 parts finder Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: southeast mo Posts: 788	engine runs fine for a few minutes then stalls i am curious to anyone who has had a problem like i'm having on my 68 chevy i just bought with a 250 I6 3 spd truck, anywho on the way home it ran fine till i got about halfway home with it then it started cutting out and acting like it was out of gas but it had half a tank, well left it went to the shop to get some tools took off the fuel filter started up ran a little rough at first then it ran fine the rest of the way then died in my yard, well the things i've done its not a carb problem as the choke is not sticking, no vaccum leaks at carb, tried another carb that i know is fine still does it, it really acts like it is starving for fuel, but there is fuel coming out of the line when you crank it, is it possible for it to get weak as it warms up or is it just an ignition problem perhaps? it has me baffled at the moment because i've checked most of the basic stuff any tips or ideas are appreciated thanks __________________ 1969 chevy shortstep 2wd (under construction) 1981 chevy scottsdale lwb 2wd (parts chaser) 2004 pontiac gto (daily driver) 2004 pontiac grand prix gt (the ol ladys car) 1985 chevy short wide 1970 chevy c10 lwb (another parts rig) 1969 gmc lwb (rainy day project) 1968 chevy lwb c10 250 I6 3 spd (soon to be swb)

11-30-2006, 06:38 AM	#2
Palf70Step State of Confusion! Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Gulfport, MS USA Posts: 46,923	Re: engine runs fine for a few minutes then stalls Sounds like some junk got in the fuel lines or carb. Since you switched carbs, I 'd say it eliminates the carb being clogging up as the issue. You could have some trash in the tank that might be clogging up the pickup sock. The other possibility is your fuel pump might be going. __________________ Bill 1970 Chevy Custom/10 LWB Fleetside 2010 Toyota Tacoma PreRunner SR5 Double Cab - DD Member of Louisiana Classic Truck Club (LCTC) Bill's Gallery Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift. Live simply. Love generously. Care deeply. Speak kindly. Leave the rest to God!

11-30-2006, 07:52 AM	#3
Misstur_big Junior Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: shreveport louisiana Posts: 27	Re: engine runs fine for a few minutes then stalls did you check fuel pump pressure? If its no the pump my et would be trash in the fuel tank pluging up the pickup screen.

11-30-2006, 12:20 PM	#4
cduster Registered User Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: S.W. Michigan Posts: 403	Re: engine runs fine for a few minutes then stalls fuel tank vent plugged? try loosening the gas cap and see if that helps. Just a thought. __________________ Good Judgment comes from experience. Most experience comes from bad judgment.

11-30-2006, 05:12 PM	#6
PanelDeland I am a Referee of life. Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: Greensboro N.C. Posts: 13,993	Re: engine runs fine for a few minutes then stalls You may also want to check the points and condenser,.I've seen them show an open when warm.Or if it has been upgraded to an HEI it could be the module.I would think the fuel problem more likely but if that's not it..... __________________ The 47-present Chevrolet and GMC Truck Message Board Network,it's owners,moderators,members,and associates of any type should not be held responsible for my opinion. You can't fix stupid,not even with duct tape. "My appearance is due to the fact that "GOD" does punish you for having too much fun!" Barrett-Jackson has perfected alchemy,they make rust into gold! "You can lead a horse to water but you can't saddle a duck" "Cleverly disguised as a 'Responsible Adult' "Sometimes your Knight in shining armor is just a retard in tinfoil"

11-30-2006, 07:10 PM	#7
lilpup69chevy 67-72 parts finder Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: southeast mo Posts: 788	Re: engine runs fine for a few minutes then stalls ok guys thanks for the tip, i was thinkin it sure seems like its an issue of lack of fuel, gonna try a different pump and look and see what the tank and lines look like i have a few other trucks that may have what i need, if its the points then i have an hei setup for it and i'll just switch it over thanks for your help guys __________________ 1969 chevy shortstep 2wd (under construction) 1981 chevy scottsdale lwb 2wd (parts chaser) 2004 pontiac gto (daily driver) 2004 pontiac grand prix gt (the ol ladys car) 1985 chevy short wide 1970 chevy c10 lwb (another parts rig) 1969 gmc lwb (rainy day project) 1968 chevy lwb c10 250 I6 3 spd (soon to be swb)

11-30-2006, 08:50 PM	#8
Boog laying low Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: Searcy, Ark. USA Posts: 13,271	Re: engine runs fine for a few minutes then stalls If you do switch it over to HEI be sure it has a full 12 volts going to it. The points dist uses about 9 on a resistor wire. __________________ Boog 69 Chevy stepside, 358/T350, 4.11 posi, 4.5/4 drop, rallys, poboy driver primer is finer 91 Chevy sportside, Tahoe, Yukon & GMC Crewcab All GM..'nuff said. I stand for the flag and kneel at the cross

11-30-2006, 09:41 PM	#10
Boog laying low Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: Searcy, Ark. USA Posts: 13,271	Re: engine runs fine for a few minutes then stalls If you've got fuel and spark it's supposed to run. Turning the engine over pumps fuel out the line so that takes care of that. Do you have spark to the plugs when turning it over? What about the exhaust? Free flowing or old crusty original? Sometimes an old exhaust pipe can colapse inside restricting the flow and shut one down. First thing to check is whether it still has spark to the plugs and fuel in the carb just after it shuts down. __________________ Boog 69 Chevy stepside, 358/T350, 4.11 posi, 4.5/4 drop, rallys, poboy driver primer is finer 91 Chevy sportside, Tahoe, Yukon & GMC Crewcab All GM..'nuff said. I stand for the flag and kneel at the cross

11-30-2006, 10:44 PM	#11
lilpup69chevy 67-72 parts finder Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: southeast mo Posts: 788	Re: engine runs fine for a few minutes then stalls yes it has both of those after it shuts down, the thing with the exhaust is it is just a straight pipe so no restriction, i'm thinkin its a weak fuel pump or the points now, because i keep checking the fuel filter in the carb and its not getting any trash in it nor is it stopping up my inline filter so guess gonna put another fuel pump on it after i check the points, is it possible for the coil to act something like that??? __________________ 1969 chevy shortstep 2wd (under construction) 1981 chevy scottsdale lwb 2wd (parts chaser) 2004 pontiac gto (daily driver) 2004 pontiac grand prix gt (the ol ladys car) 1985 chevy short wide 1970 chevy c10 lwb (another parts rig) 1969 gmc lwb (rainy day project) 1968 chevy lwb c10 250 I6 3 spd (soon to be swb)

11-30-2006, 11:15 PM	#12
Boog laying low Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: Searcy, Ark. USA Posts: 13,271	Re: engine runs fine for a few minutes then stalls Well, usually a coil dies pretty quick. That's not to say that's not your problem but my experience with bad coils has been when driving along it loses power and misfires a bunch 'till it finally quits and will not restart. I would do a tuneup on it with points, condensor, rotor, cap and plugs, maybe wires too. Then if you get a good blue spark at the plugs you have a good coil and this should eliminate the ignition system as the source of the problem. Oh and the points dist runs on about 9 volts. The power wire to the dist is most likely a resistor wire. If someone has run 12 volts to the dist the points won't last long. The HEI dist does need a full 12 volts. You'll need to check this. HTH About the fuel: when the engine shuts down reach out there and loosen the gas cap and see if there is a whoooosh sound. If so then the tank is not venting and actually under a vacumn and after a while the pump cannot pull enough gas out of it. If I'm not mistaken the early ones used a vented gas cap for this reason. Like trying to pour gas from a can without the vent hole open, see. __________________ Boog 69 Chevy stepside, 358/T350, 4.11 posi, 4.5/4 drop, rallys, poboy driver primer is finer 91 Chevy sportside, Tahoe, Yukon & GMC Crewcab All GM..'nuff said. I stand for the flag and kneel at the cross Last edited by Boog; 11-30-2006 at 11:23 PM.

12-02-2006, 08:59 PM	#13
lilpup69chevy 67-72 parts finder Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: southeast mo Posts: 788	Re: engine runs fine for a few minutes then stalls well good news guys i got it running and all the asumptions i checked at first were wrong, but when i went to check the points that was not the problem the distributor shaft was wore out, i guess the bushing itself? i know it had about a 1/2 inch of play in it so i grabbed another dist out of another truck and changed it and put in new points and condensor put on the stock carb and it runs like a top. by the way i did check everything else and i appreciate all the tips because i'm sure since this truck sat awhile it needed to be checked but i hope me telling exactly what the problem was helps someone else in the future thanks again guys __________________ 1969 chevy shortstep 2wd (under construction) 1981 chevy scottsdale lwb 2wd (parts chaser) 2004 pontiac gto (daily driver) 2004 pontiac grand prix gt (the ol ladys car) 1985 chevy short wide 1970 chevy c10 lwb (another parts rig) 1969 gmc lwb (rainy day project) 1968 chevy lwb c10 250 I6 3 spd (soon to be swb)

12-03-2006, 08:58 AM	#14
68C15 blood type; Retumbo Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: next to my reloading bench Posts: 10,269	Re: engine runs fine for a few minutes then stalls I would still swap over to HEI. its just a matter of time till the other dizzy gives out. to this day have yet to see a reman dizzy with new shaft. worn points cam = short dwell time=weak spark.



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