General Flame out!

[AndersLS]

Hi forum. My wife was driving her car to a wedding the other day. The drive was about 50 km......when she got to the town of the wedding, the car sputtered out a couple of times. The car had otherwise driven well. Even all the way back.

It seemed to sputter when she was at a crossing idling. Twice. Luckily she got help from some `big boys`.

Recently, I changed the spark plugs, new large air hose, new fuel filter.

Any ideas? It was a hot day!......overheating perhaps? I intend to change the oil/clean slinger next time I see the car.

Thanks.

 

[turbo500]

Did you check the clearances on the valves?


Are the fuel filters clean?

 

[AndersLS]

No....havent checked valve clearance.

Is there more than one fuel filter.?? I just changed the the inline fuel filter before the fuel pump......it is brand new.

Distributor perhaps?

Luckily the car `only` sputtered twice......

 

[turbo500]

Did she mention if it sputtered as the revs dropped when coming to a stop? If so try cleaning out the jets on the carb



There are 2 standard fuel filters, and 1 add one filter that most people have.
-1 in the fuel tank, at the end of the fuel pickup that also has the fuel level mechanism
-1 right behind the fuel inlet on the carb, accessed from the large nut on the top of the carb
-1 aftermarket inline filter, usually fitted in the engine bay or at the exit of the fuel tank

 

[AndersLS]

Wow...awesome info. 3 filters in all.

She did mention, that when she came to a crossing...slowed down....revs down.....then it sputtered.

The 28 IMB carb does need a rebuild. I have the kit. Is there a carb filter in the kit? I havent even checked. I will get this done. I also have a new fuel pump to install.

The car starts and drives fine though. But the little sputter issue has made my wife a bit nervous....hehe.

 

[the hobbler]

The fact that the engine starts and runs OK 'normally' does seem to indicate that your problem is with the carb. When you have the carb off to overhaul, make sure that ALL passages are carefully blown through. Check that the needle-valve (aka, Float-valve) isn't sticking and/or the 'needle' isn't 'ridged'. Check that the float has no fuel INSIDE it (due to a crack)--if the float 'rattles' when gently shaken, change it (you can't get the fuel out). Also, check that the surfaces on the bakelite spacer are flat, as well as the carb flange---if the aren't, use a sheet of fine 'wet-and-dry' (use it wet) on a sheet of thick glass (which will be absolutely flat) to get the surfaces flat.
The filter in the top of the carb is easily cleaned--but also, check that the filter on the 'tank-unit' isn't blocked with muck from the fuel tank. As per previous suggestions, check tappets (the 500 is famous for its ability to have them close-up).

 

[AndersLS]

Carb has been rebuilt. That was not to difficult. The kit fit perfect. I have no leaks or anything.

Although, I still can see bubbles in the fuel line after the pump.......is this normal?

The car started right up and I ran it for a while. Once when in idle, it did seem to sputter a bit.....