I finally got my 64 running beautifully, then as I am driving, suddenly there is no power to the engine. It still runs, sounds almost ok at idle, but 30 mph is the max speed. I know there is some junk in the fuel tank, but I just replaced the fuel filter. I just replaced the distributor, I just replaced the plugs. Could a bad coil cause this?

 

Clogged filter, junk in fuel bowl of carb, clogged fuel pickup in tank, clogged fuel line.

Coil is not a suspect.

 

What about the fuel pump itself. Is that a suspect? I ask because it would be easy to replace and only $35. The fuel runs out of the tank and to the pump without any apparent restriction, and while I think my old fuel filter was clogged, I don't think it was letting any crap get past it into the carb. That is just belief unencumbered by any evidence. I have not yet pulled the carb and opened it up to see if there is any junk in the bowl. It is not hard to do, but it would be even easier to replace the fuel pump. It is almost fifty years old, that is, I think it may be the original fuel pump.

Is there a good way to test the fuel pump?

 

It's hard to tell if the pump is causing the problem but it would be cheap insurance to change it anyways, if you think it is that old it's only going to be a matter of time when it leaves you stranded. Does your pump have a built in filter?

You said you replaced the distributor, was that before or after the problem?

Have you put a timing light on it to see you are getting advance?

 

Yes this pump has a built in filter.

This truck has had a problem with hesitation since I bought it. Part of the problem was the distributor. One of the holes for one of the screws that secure the vacuum advance unit to the distributor was broken, so the when the advance unit was supposed to be advancing the timing, it was just moving the advance unit instead. replacing the distributor made that problem go away, but the engine was still not running perfectly. My friends say "what do you expect, the truck is almost as old as you." But I have a '32 model B Cabriolet and it runs like a dream, and it is almost twice as old. So I replaced the fuel filter, air filter, plugs and it was really running nice, and then "click" (there wasn't really an audible click) and no power. So since it is unlikely to be the coil and I have replaced all of the other ignition components, I am now thinking it might have had a week fuel pump since I bought the truck and now it has mostly died. I get enough fuel to idle, but not enough to go anywhere at any real speed or with any real power.

I have two really inadequate timing lights, and I couldn't get any useful readings from them. I adjusted the timing by ear, and it is really pretty much there. This is not a timing issue, I know what that sounds like.

 

BTW hiball3985, I looked at your profile and I love the Ranchero. Are those Cragers? I have them on my F-100, but I wish I had power steering every time I turn around in my driveway.

 

Yes, Cragars on the Ranchero. I have 10.5 x 31 x 15 on my F100 it's a bear to turn in the driveway, great everywhere else.

 

fix the obvious, in this case fuel system, and see what happens

 

I replaced the fuel pump. That seems to have done the trick mostly. I even had to adjust the idle to compensate for the better fuel supply.

It still sometimes hesitates and does not always respond to the throttle.

I installed a rebuilt carb about 5 years ago, but I may have to open it up and give it a good cleaning. Every other part of the fuel system has been check or replaced recently.

 

Try a new manufacture carburetor? They aren't giving Holley carbs away, but - have run a few rebuilds at first and for whatever reason, a new carb REALLY increased the driveability and made me realize that after dropping some coin on a full engine rebuild, I shoulda never tried to cheap out on the last mile.

 

I am going to get a rebuild kit for the two barrel I have. It may be that the float valve is sticking or the power valve is damaged.

I am also going to remove the points and condenser and install an electronic unit.

If those things don't work maybe a new carb or maybe replace the wiring harness, the wiring on my truck has be modified over the years, and well, it is 50 years old.

 

Autolite 2100 carbs are a dime a dozen and IMO better carbs. There are several "sizes". It has to do with the venturis in them. 1.08 is about right for these old 292's. The number is cast into the left side of the float bowl behind the accelerator pump rod.
Oh and they're a direct fit on the '58-'64's