Hey guys, just picked up a 64 dynamic 88, 394 with a 4 barrel, got a slight rear main leak, and a few minor issues but other than that its a nice car...

first issue were trying to address is that the car will run for about 20 minutes or so, and heat up, then die, and wont start back until it cools down... I know that these 394s were prone to a few vapor lock issues but as cool as it was here today I cant really see that it vapor locked, the gas was steady in the bowl the whole time, did not sputter or anything, just died...

coil? something in distributor? im not very good with these olds engines or what the problems and solutions are with them, any help is appreciated! thanks!

 

What do you mean by "heat up"? Heat up to normal operating temperature and stay there, or does it start to overheat?

One thing that comes to my mind that kicks in after about 15 or 20 minutes (or maybe not quite that long) after start-up is that the thermostat is supposed to open. If yours isn't opening, the engine would overheat. I don't know if that would cause it to stall, though.

Another thought is some kind of fuel flow restriction, but I don't know why this would not be present from the start.

A third thought is a malfunctioning choke. If the choke doesn't close when the engine reaches operating temperature, wouldn't that cause an excessively rich mixture? Maybe that would flood the engine and stall it? That might also explain why the engine needs to be cool again before it will restart.

 

Do you have access to another coil?

Ignition components have been known to be heat sensitive.

 

If there is fuel in the bowl and the accelerator pump still gives a full shot of fuel, the the problem is likely ignition related. Try to check for spark when the problem occurs.

Three common heat sensitive ignition parts are the condenser, coil and secondary coil wire. Have had all three cause heat related problems.

 

First check is the choke open when it stalls?
I think Jaunty made a oops.

 

Sounds like either coil or ignition condenser.

Also check the exhaust heat riser flap to make sure it's opening. If it's seized closed it will force exhaust heat thru the intake manifold even after it's not needed and overheat the engine.