bug running crappy

I'm hoping someone may give me a little direction on this. Yesterday, after driving at 65mph for about 1/2 hour my 74 std bug stalled out on the highway and wouldn't restart. I had a previous problem of clogged fuel line. Thought I had that fixed but figured maybe not. I pulled the ole electric air pump out, hook it to the fuel line and ...hmmm, no clog (pump built up no pressure. previously the pump wbuilt up about 20 psi before the clog cleared). Tried starting again and it started right up. Maybe a small clog I thought. Try to pull back out onto the highway, go about 15 seconds and it stalls again. I went through this about 5 times before I could get to an exit. Off the highway I opened the bowl on the Carb. Plenty off gas in there so It can't be a clogged line. Tried starting again and it started right up but wouldn't idle. Now it runs fine at highway speeds but tends to stall at idle (used to idle fine). When starting out in first I have to run the RPMs up pretty high to keep it from stalling (yes, I know how to drive a stick). Also it runs real rough at the lower RPM range of any gear (ie 15-20mph in 2nd, 45-50 mph in 4th, etc) Any sage advice out there for me? Thanks folks

Reply to
1974 Std Sunbug
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General tune-up done recently? Points, plugs, timing, dwell all OK? Did you test the coil? Air filter OK? Does your timing light verify distributor timing that rises with engine speed and does not look to be erratic? (Bad distrivutors have a tendancy to do that).

If everything checks out I would try adjusting the carb. Double check the carb vacuum lines/ports. And check that vacuum connection on the intake manifold. If your engine has one.

And if the problem persists I would take apart and clean the carb.

Reply to
Luft Gek?hlt

When you say "stalled out", a little more information would be helpful. Did it just quit as though someone turned off the key, or was it sputtering for a few seconds before it died? Dying instantly as though the key was switched off would sound like an ignition failure to me, if it starts sputtering and dying I would look at the fuel system. At this point, I'm not sure you whether you have an ignition failure or a fuel system failure.

A few things to check are your points(starting to close up?), connection to the ignition coil, and connection to the idle cutoff and choke on the carb. In addition, you can remove the float drain plug and the main jet and check them for dirt. Dirt in the carb could cause all sorts of hard to troubleshoot problems with driveability.

I've seen quite a few bugs with idle problems related to the idle cutoff solenoid. If its loose, it won't keep a good ground connection and it will cause you to lose your idle if it isn't hooked up. If it won't idle but it will run if you keep your foot on the gas, immediately suspect the idle solenoid.

Chris

Reply to
Hal

check your points... easy to do, easily overlooked. I went through the same type of trouble. Checked all of the fuel system etc. I checked points as a last resort... that was it...

Reply to
Mel P.

Sounds like exactly what my 1600 does in my '69, only on a hot day though. Mine is vapor locking,,,will run wide open but don't slow down or it will stall. Then I have to wait for it to cool down before the fuel pump will take fuel without boiling it. I advanced the timing a bit as it was too retarded, engines run too warm on retarded spark. I think an electric fuel pump would fix it. I shouldn't have to do that , but it might have something to do with the cheap fuel pump I have or insulating block. I know the fuel line could stand to be routed better so it doesn' heat up. But your problem sure sounds like vapor locking.

Leo

Reply to
Leo Yudysky

Thanks for all the suggestions. Checked the points and timing on friday, everything was good. Today I broke the carb down and cleaned it up. Just finished taking her for a ride around the neighborhood, looks like everything is running fine now. I really appreciate all the suggestions, thanks again folks.

Reply to
1974 Std Sunbug

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