My 63 starts hard but once it is running the cold idle is good but when it gets warm it will only idle for 2 min before it dies. I have replaced the points and condenser but not adjusted the dwell just yet. Vacuum advance was recently replaced and checked on the distributor, so it does work. The vacuum advance line is an old steel/copper(?) line. My guess is that there may be pin holes in the line? I smell gas after I shut her down and the gas mileage sucks, only getting 13/14 mpg at the moment.

 

Have you checked the spark plugs?

Smelling gas after you shut down is unfortunately normal.

Have you verified the choke is operating properly?

 

Yes all new spark plugs and a rebuilt carb. Do you mean throttle adjustment? I typically don't use the choke, but the choke cable attachment is working well.

 

If the choke is stuck closed, then the engine should start easy, but not run well when hot.

Normally, you need to close the choke to start a cold engine and then open it up gradually as it warms up.

 

Thanks for the response! Can you see the choke getting stuck? If so then it is not getting stuck because I am able to operate the choke cable well enough to get the choke open and closed.

It is also backfiring whilst running. Super hard to start after it dies when it is hot!

 

 

​​​​​​Thanks for the info! Changed the fuel filter but it turns out that the distributor vacuum advance was terrible loose! Tightened it down and timed the engine again but the timing marks are only lining up on #2 cylinder!! I can't seem to get the marks to line up on #1 cylinder .I checked TDC just to make sure and got it close in time and my gas mileage has improved greatly .I am thinking on buying a new distributor . Do you think that will be effective or should I just look at rebuilding the old one? I'm not sure I like the way the vacuum advance keeps coming loose on this one!!