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Drove my 54 today to get a late breakfast and to run some errands. When it got too hot to drive in traffic I decided to go home and get my car with AC. I stopped at my local garage to ask the one brother to listen if I have an exhaust leak where the crossover pipe meets the right manifold. He has a good ear. He wasn't there. I kept the truck running. It was in the high 90's.
I headed for home but only two blocks later the truck died like it was out of gas. I assumed vapor lock on a hot day. It was about 1:30. I started pushing it into a parking space along the street. A former player of mine came out of his parents house and helped me. He gave me a ride home. I went back at 6:00 after the evening shade was on the truck. Accu-Weather said it was still 96 degrees. I sprayed starter fluid in the carb. It started but when the ether burned up it died. Then I opened my gas cap and cranked it again it started.
So Vapor Lock, poor venting or both, or was removing the gas cap co-incidence?
Never thought about exhaust leak increasing temps under hood. Thanks
These model years don't have side vents on the hoods so that is possible. No eddy currents up high where the heat rises. Do you know if the OEM cap is vented? I believe it is unless there is a separate vent tine for the tank.
Another fact I must add: I put a new stock so style gas tank in the past January.
I'm not sure what "so style" is. Does that have a separate vent line? Do you hear a slight hissing sound when you remove the cap? This would indicate that the fuel pump has created a vacuum in the tank from not having a vented cap.
I'm not sure what "so style" is. Does that have a separate vent line? Do you hear a slight hissing sound when you remove the cap? This would indicate that the fuel pump has created a vacuum in the tank from not having a vented cap.
Then I'll speculate that it is vapor lock, or an overheated ignition coil. Were you able to check out the exhaust leak? Looks like there might be one at the driver's side x-over flange.
Then I'll speculate that it is vapor lock, or an overheated ignition coil. Were you able to check out the exhaust leak? Looks like there might be one at the driver's side x-over flange.
Thanks Bob. If it was the coil getting too hot would it crank at all? I believe the leak is on the right side, same side as the coil.
I will look for some Insulated wrap for the hard gas line.
Thanks Bob. If it was the coil getting too hot would it crank at all? I believe the leak is on the right side, same side as the coil.
I will look for some Insulated wrap for the hard gas line.
Yes, it would crank all day long, just wouldn't start. I must have had too many windows open, couldn't see that pic again that had the scorched valve cover on the left side. Sorry.
Here's some ideas for the fuel line:
The left side did have a leak after I painted the valve cover but I got that one fixed. I had to take the crossover pipe to a machine shop to get it planed flat. Why the leak popped up on the right side now, I don't know. I guess I better order a gasket set.
About insulating the fuel line, running a rubber hose over the hard line would work, correct?
Here's pics of both valve covers showing scorch marks.
My wife has those clothes pins in the basement. Maybe I can sneak some out to the garage.
Yep, that's the pic I saw of the left side. Didn't know it was old.
I have never heard of covering a fuel line with rubber hose except for chafing protection. Maybe it would work, but I suspect it would attract and hold heat in rather than reflect and dissipate it. The clothes pins don't reflect heat, but they help to dissipate it by increasing the surface area exposed to whatever air flow there is.
It may not be the answer you're looking for, but if'n it were me, I'd be springing for Mummert's ram's horn manifolds and being rid of that miserable crossover pipe forever, and all the problems associated with it. But, then again, .....
There are many insulating sheaths that slip over fuel lines, wiring, etc. that work good. I use them as prevention before I experience any heat related issues. https://www.summitracing.com/search/...ibanner=SREPD5
I'm with 52Merc on that crossover pipe. Replace the manifolds and crossover with a set of rams horn exhaust manifolds, duel exhaust and get the exhaust heat out of the engine compartment.
