Loss of power, stalls and stops running; 1949, 331 ci

[brucewoerner]

About a year ago I replaced the fuel pump on this 1949 sedan (331 ci). I restored the car 8 years ago and cleaned and used the "3 step fuel tank clean/restore kit". I have found some "clear gasket looking material" in the 1st fuel filter. After cleaning out it still stalls & quits running.

So now I don't suspect the fuel delivery, as the 2 filters run full and clean, with no air bubbles. I even installed a "second fuel pump and separate fuel line from the tank to the carburetor. (6 volt electric with a toggle on/off switch). When the car starts loosing power on the highway, I turn this auxiliary system on and it seems to help, at least I can make it home.

Today I check engine compression and low is 69psi and high is 85psi, which by my standard is low, but more importantly about a 20% difference; right bank being from 70 to 72 & left bank being from 69 to 85.

The other difference since I have owned this car (25 years) is vacuum has dropped from 17-18" to 11-12". I know this because I always "tune to vacuum"!

I seems I may be ready for a rebuild, however I wanted to hear from y'all first- Thanks!

[Bobby B]

Bruce,
  Hi. Considering that a 7.5 to 1 compression ratio should give you about 140 PSI on the gauge, I would go with worn rings first. Do a leak down test to be sure. Maybe it's time......
                      Bobby

[hearn]

As they say, when you think it is gas, it's electrics.  I would replace the coil and be sure and use an epoxy coil recommended for the car.  Jim

[Steve Passmore]

I have had cars with really worn out engines, sure power is down but they don't just loose power occasionally. There has to be something else going on.    I have seen where people use gasket sealer around the sender unit and these new fuels turn that stuff to a slimey mess and clog up the pickup tube. just something to check as its an intermittent problem and you have seen traces in the filters.