Idling Problems - engine fluttering and stalling

[JasonV]

Hey Guys,

Could use some advice.

I have a 1967 C10 with a V8 - 283. When driving, the engine seems to randomly cut-out and hesitate. When idling, randomly, the RPM's fall and it stalls. Start it back up...might idle for 2 minutes or 20 seconds, then dies again...randomly. On occasion, the RPM's just flutter downward, but they go up again, and it does not die.

This is what I have checked:

Cleaned the Spark Plugs
Cleaned Carburetor (2 barrel Rochester is new)
Checked Fuel Pump...it is pumping great.
Fuel Filter is new

Any advice on what else to check.

Thank you in advance for any advice.

[Longhorn 70]

standard ignition?

[JasonV]

Yes, standard ignition...3 on the tree.

[Longhorn 70]

If you haven't checked points, condenser, coil and wiring to the same, I would.

I had a 64 c10 that did the same thing. It turned out to be the distributor lead to the coil that had a break in the insulation that would once in a while short to ground. Black tape got me home. $2.39 for a new lead fixed the problem.

[JasonV]

Thanks for the info!

I will try the items you mentioned.

Thanks again.

[FLDBRED]

What kind of shape is your gas tank in? You might be getting rust in your gas!If you think this is possible just disconect the fuel line at the pump and run a line into a gas can from your fuel pump, give it a few minutes to clean out the carb. If the problem goes away then you have crud in the tank or lines.

[bigmac73]

Originally Posted by JasonV

Hey Guys,

Could use some advice.

I have a 1967 C10 with a V8 - 283. When driving, the engine seems to randomly cut-out and hesitate. When idling, randomly, the RPM's fall and it stalls. Start it back up...might idle for 2 minutes or 20 seconds, then dies again...randomly. On occasion, the RPM's just flutter downward, but they go up again, and it does not die.

This is what I have checked:

Cleaned the Spark Plugs
Cleaned Carburetor (2 barrel Rochester is new)
Checked Fuel Pump...it is pumping great.
Fuel Filter is new

Any advice on what else to check.

Thank you in advance for any advice.

i was thinking vac leak??

[JasonV]

Thanks for the suggestions.

I did find some rust in the float compartment of the carb. I did recently put a new gas tank in, but there are still a few original metal gas lines that I have not replaced...thinking the rust may be coming from there. I will replace those as well.

I was thinking it was a vacum leak as well, but could not find anything. I think I look into coil and condenser, and also change the metal gas lines...and hopefully, that may solve the issue. If not, I will be back on looking for more suggestions. As always, thanks for all the advice.

[JasonV]

Hey Guys,

Well, I think I am back to see if anyone has anymore suggestions...I did replace the Coil, and all the metal gas lines...tank is new. Still experiencing the same issue...engine is cutting out and dying randomly. Looks like it could be a vacumm leak...I checked all the hoses for cracks and ruptures, as well as, used metal clips to ensure each was attached properly. Does anyone have any suggestions on how to check for a vacumm leak?

Any thing would help.

Thanks.

[Longhorn 70]

disconnect all vacuum hoses that you can and cap off. Hook up one at a time?

[67 chevelle]

propane tank works best . open it up and point it a various spots around intake , engine will even out when you are on the leak

[ETsC10]

Sounds dumb but try taking off your gas cap.

[Longhorn 70]

Doesn't sound Dumb at all ETs. IF the cap allows the tank to build pressure or vacuum, it could be an issue.

[JasonV]

I will try to investigate all the vacumm lines, as well as, take off the gas cap. I appreciate all the input...I learn something new on this site everyday.

Thank to everyone!

[swamp rat]

My vote is ofter overlooked, the grommet in your vacuum booster gets dried out and starts a vacuum leak, try plugging that line by the carb. And yes try leaving the gas cap loose to see if the tank is venting ok.

[JasonV]

Hello everybody,

Just a quick update...I was able to find the issue...it was a bad distributor. I was playing around with the timing, and found that which ever way I rotated the distributor, either to advance or retard the time, it caused the engine to die. I replaced the distributor, and now she is running great! Thanks for all the help and suggestions!

[Longhorn 70]

Sweet. Good find. Points can be a pain and the distributors they are in can add to that pain.

Good job finding the issue.

[JasonV]

Thanks.

just trying to learn all I can about this engine!