56Holiday88

I have tried to find the source of my erratic running "56 Olds by doing all the usual common electrical replacement/repairs (points,plugs, coil, condensers, re-built the carb and had the timing checked (dead on). I feel that one issue might be connected to the methanol/gas that may have caused the current problem. At this point, short of filling with non-ethanol gas and/or using an additive, I,m stuck for an answer or where/what to try next. Motor is all original (as is the car) with 61 K. Need help !!

Thanks, Larry

GAOldsman

You may be right about the ethanol gumming up the situation. Fuel pump original or a replacement? Fuel filter? Vacuum leak? Spray some carb cleaner around the base of the carb, vacuum ports and listen for engine to rev up slightly. Oh and welcome to the CO. You may choose to start a newbie thread to introduce yourself, tell us about your rides and post pics of what sounds like a neat '56 Olds.

Scot

56Holiday88

Thanks Scott, I'll check out those suggestions. Keeping my fingers crossed. I'd like to get this solved before I put it up for Winter. Thanks again.

56Holiday88

Thanks Scot, I'll check out those suggestions. Keeping my fingers crossed. I'd like to get this solved before I put it up for Winter. Thanks again.

oldcutlass

I have found Lucas fuel treatment to help with gummed up carbs.

The methanol fuels of today have their inherent problems, expecially with moisture, loosening up junk in fuel systems, and raising hell with rubber parts!

Good luck!

citcapp

I have found the following:

1. Only buy gas from name brand stations for your classic. CItgo, Safeway, Costco, etc, gas has caused me problems several times. when I buy from Shell, Chevron, etc, I never have problems

2. Keep fresh gas in your car. The blended fuels deteriorate is a short period of time

3. If you must store without using then use a fuel stabilizer

Just my two cents

56Holiday88

Thanks everyone for your suggestions. I'll check those areas that was suggested. I filled the tank yesterday with non-ethonal gas and added the prescribed four ounces of an oil additive. Friend of mine, with a corvette and camero, uses this oil in his cars and though it is pricey, he swears by it. I'm hoping it will help. Got caught in a huge rain storm yesterday so didn't have much chance to run it in. We'll see !

Tedd Thompson

You haven't mentioned your fuel pump have you checked it?

A quick test can be done by putting a rubber hose on the outlet side of the pump and with the coil wire removed crank it over for about 10 seconds, should fill a 16oz coke bottle 3/4 of the way .Just a thought...Tedd

PS. Welcome to CO. Love the 50 era Olds

56Holiday88

Thanks Ted. 88's going in the shop this week and we'll check that out. 45' degrees here today, so hope it will warm up a little this coming week. Winter's on it's way. Ugh !

56Holiday88

Thanks everyone. Sources indicate I may have dropped a valve. Mothballing it for the Winter and repairs in the Spring. Thanks again.