random stalling 1963 coupe

[Jedi]

My 63 is having a stalling issue, it will run great for 5 - 10 miles thenjust stop running
Like someone just turned off a switch. Ill pull over wait 1-2 minutes then crank her over and all is good
Drive another 5 miles and zap nothing. Engine and everything is completley factory stock. Any ideas would be great

[Scot Minesinger]

To the basics as many probably will reply, need spark and fuel to run.

Since it runs well and stops without warning, guessing spark.  If you do not know the history of distributor cap, rotor, coil, wires, plugs, condenser and points probably a good idea to replace them as they are inexpensive anyway.  While there be checking for loose connections, wires and etc.  This starts the process.  Intermittent problems are difficult to resolve until they fail 100% (become permanent not intermittent).

Good luck,

Scot

[Jedi]

Thanks, is it worth converting to a electronic ign kit? After market coil and also relocating the coil off the engine?

[Dave Shepherd]

Hold on here ,you still don't know if it is spark or fuel related, you will need a helper to crank the engine, when this happens check for a strong spark at the plugs, then lets go from there, no?

[Jedi]

Correct I havent checked the spark yet I thought it might be fuel related being it would start back up right after. When I go out to where I store it this weekend Ill check the elec system, spark, wires etc and see if something going on.

Thanks for the help!

[curly]

Sounds like either the ignition coil or the condenser on the points.  I had a similar problem with Ford I once owned.  It would shut down with out warning, especially on the freeway. At its worst, it was doing it every minute or so, then it would go days with out a hitch. Before I discovered the problem,  I found I could turn the key off for as little as 30 seconds and it would restart. The problem was the coil, it was overheating, I eventually found it when I burned my wrist reaching around it.  I mention this because turning the key off let the coil cool enough that by the time I got out of the car and opened the hood, the car would start again, so it really sent me down the wrong diagnostic path.

T Lewis

[cadillactim]

A fuel problem will almost always make the car spit and sputter before quitting. Electrical problem is like turning the key off.

Simple way to eliminate if it is fuel problem. When car quits, open hood take top off air cleaner and operate throttle linkage.  See if any fuel is spraying into carburetor.  If you see fuel, problem is electrical.

Tim

[Jedi]

Thanks everyone I have a new direction to go in!

[n2caddies]

Just to add a thought. The power wire to the ignition switch on my 59 was loose in the connector at the switch (pink if I remember correctly) had the same symptoms mentioned here.
Randy

[Guidematic]

That very strongly suggests a clogged fuel filter. A simple fix, do that first. It's a maintenance item anyway, and one that is usually addressed with every tune up.

Mike