Hi all,
Don't know if this is in right place? But I need some help with my 54 super88. The car runs and idles fine. But when i get up to speed after a few minutes it starts to sputter and acts as if it isn't getting fuel. If i pull over and idle a minute , I can take off again and the trouble repeats at about the same rate? I have s new accelerator pump coming as I was also having bogging issues at take off.Could the pump cause this problem? The carb is a Rochester 4jet. If not the pump. Any other ideas? She doesn't stall out. Just bucks and acts like she wants to stall? Appreciate any and all help. Thanks

 

Accelerator pump as cause? No. Change the fuel filter, cut it open and if it is really dirty the tank may be dirty.

Can also be a failing fuel pump or bad rubber fuel hose on the suction side of the pump letting air in.

Good luck!!!

 

Have you checked/replaced the fuel filter?

 

Maybe the tank vent is restricted. Leave the cap loose or off during your next drive see if the problem goes away.

 

Agree that it’s not the accelerator pump. That gives a squirt of fuel as the throttle is opening to prevent the inrush of air from creating a lean air/fuel condition until the regular jets can catch up and supply fuel for the increased air flow. At steady throttle the accelerator pump is inactive.

 

OK, so accelerator pump is not problem. Got it. The whole fuel system was redone about 2 years ago. Pump and carburetor rebuilt. Tank removed and cleaned new sender unit installed and new lines from back to front. The fuel filter is is stone or copper and sets in a glass bowl in front of carb. Anyone have an idea of best way to clean this type of filter? Also, is it possible that there is a filter in the carb somewhere? I did not do the carb rebuild so I'm not familiar with it. Thanks again for all your help.

 

Are the surges rapid in frequency or gentle? Are they like a fish biting/pulling/tapping on a hook or are they like the car is running into extreme gusts of headwind that come and go? The first is probably a plug or wire, the second is likely fuel related.

Clean the fuel filter? They are normally replaced. Can there be a second filter yes, there may be a stone one inside the fuel inlet nut at the carburetor.

Good luck!!!

 

Agree w/ Sugar Bear. The glass bowl/copper (whatever) filter you see in front of the carb may be a secondary fuel filter. Do you have a service manual? I would think there's a primary fuel filter in-line where the fuel inlet nut is located where the fuel line inserts into carburetor (as Sugar Bear stated). If that is the case, you can purchase a new fuel filter - they are generally readily available.

 

I always like to have the appropriate manuals for something like this since they're the bible. Pretty cheap insurance when you have the correct documentation. For $15 it removes lots of guesswork & might be a worthwhile investment.

1954 Rochester Carburetors and Popular Parts Bulletin 9 A-110

 

My money is on the fuel pump getting weak, the engine out runs the volume that the pump puts out. Check how much volume the pump puts out non-restricted, should be about 4oz in 15 seconds give or take...Tedd

 

Sugar bear, I would probably say the second. It just seems like it bucks and loses power till I pull over. Did not get to tear into this weekend but hoping to this week. Will clean or replace both filters. Vintage chief, I will have to look into that manual. It could be a big help in the future. Thanks again guys.

 

Thanks Ted, Will check the pump as well. I read some where that you unhook the line and run it into a 16oz soda bottle and just crank the engine for 15 seconds. Does that sound about right?

 

I would use at least double that size container. I’ve used 2 liter soda bottles in the past.

You could also use a ~2 gallon container, provided you have a place to secure it in the engine bay, to feed the fuel pump on a test drive long enough to see if the problem occurs. Bring tools to hook the legit fuel line back up in case you go far enough to run through the fuel in the can. If problem is still present, it’s between the pump & carb, if it’s gone, problem is between tank & pump inlet.

​​​​​​….

 

That's what I've done for years. The post you read that from probably was one of mine. The reason I use a 16 oz bottle is it is smaller and can be stuffed in a tighter place in the engine compartment, but it doesn't make much difference, just keep an eye on it so you don't over fill it. Also pull the coil wire, so the car won't start and make things more difficult than need to be...Tedd

 

So I ran the fuel pump test yesterday. Ran line into graduated container. The pump is putting out 6oz of fuel in 10 seconds. Tried it 3 times with exact same results. Took off glass bowl filter and checked carb. No filter In carb just a cylinder screen, which was clean. As for the glass bowl filter that had quite a bit of scum on the inside of the stone filter! I cleaned and scrubed it with a brush and carb cleaner. (Have new paper one on order) I'm gonna put it back together and see what happens! Thanks again for everyone's input and help.

 

Sure sounds like a fuel problem, but just curious. Have you looked at your points lately? Gapped properly or burned? That is, if you are running points and not electronic. Also check for tracking from contact to contact on the inside of your cap. Hang in there, you will find the problem. Good luck.

 

If points are set to close, it sometimes can be a problem when the engine heats up and tolerances get tighter, Keep us informed as these issues and fixes may help someone else down the road...Tedd

 

I have used a plastic fuel tank from a snow blower as a fuel supply, you can attach rubber fuel hose to it as it has a fuel fitting already made on it and has cap on tank and find a spot under hood/fender well area so you could close hood if needed, or use bungee cords to hook under hood..

I found a snow blower in garbage, I see them quite frequently by me, OR lawnmower (in garbage also) so variety of test fuel tank sizes.

Just some thoughts,

Bob

 

Thanks for the extra input guys. I haven't had the chance to hook everything back up and give it a go yet. I will keep this thread up to date as I try to sort this issue out. All of you help and idea's are greatly appreciated! Thanks again.

 

All good advice above.

I had this problem several years ago. But it sounds like you have all your ducks checked. My problem was fuel that had turned to jelly. The car sat for a winter, due to another issue. I had to disconnect the fuel line at the pump, run compressed air backwards in to the tank to clear the line--make sure the cap is off if you do this into the tank. There is a good chance it will blow apart or blow off the screening sock inside the tank on the pickup line, so you may want to disconnect the fuel line at the tank to blow it out.

I have also cleaned and sealed the tank, replaced the sock, added an in line filter below the pump, and changed the glass bowl paper filter. The pump does not deliver fuel at a very high pressure so it is subject to these restrictions. Volume is good, just not at much pressure. Be aware of a couple of more things regarding fuel:
1. There is a metal screen on the bottom side of the fuel pump, a cork gasket holds it in, sitting directly above the paper filter element. Make sure this screen is clean.
2. Also, If I remember correctly, there is another screen on the inlet to the carb. Just a brass screen where the fuel line attaches to the carb. Make sure this is not clogged as well.
3. There is a remote chance that if you have installed a new fuel tank cap, it seals--which is a problem. This fuel system is not designed to be sealed. I have seen where if you take the new sealed cap off, the car runs fine. As the engine runs, it slowly creates a vacuum in the tank as the fuel level drops, reducing the fuel pump effectiveness. It really needs an OEM type non-sealed cap on the tank.

The inline filter below the pump can help you see what is going on. You can see fuel going through the clear barrel of the filter.

Good luck!

 

Hi all,
Finally had a chance to get back to the old girl. Life got in the way for a bit! But here is what I've done and the results. I replaced the whole glass bowl fuel filter with a reman Ac Delco that takes a paper filter. Also put in a new accelerator pump. Just got that all done about 2hrs ago. The sputtering on take off gone! Took about a 20 min drive no bucking or acting like it was starving for fuel!????. I did play with the gas cap as in rocking it around while tightened down!? I am not sure what fixed the problem? But really leaning towards the fuel filter bowl and filter! Thanks again for everyone's help! IT WAS,IS GREATLY APPRECIATED!

 

Great news!