1953 REO Gasser starts, then dies???

[vinivicci]

Hi All,

I've got a '53 REO gasser that I rigged up for plowing, and this winter in Wisconsin it is certainly gettting plenty of use. The problem is that it has started this annoying habit of every once in awhile dieing, then only restarting again for about 30 seconds before dieing again. Then eventually, randomly it will start and just continue running.
I thought maybe it sounded initially like a fuel supply problem, but I am getting plenty of gas to the carb, via an aftermarket electric fuel pump and regulator.
Other ideas? Sticky carb float maybe? Sediment in the tank clogging jets?

Thanks in advance for any suggestions.

 

[cbvet]

If the problem is fuel related, it would likely quit "slowly" as it runs out of fuel. You might be able to keep it going by using the choke.
I'd start by looking for an electrical problem. Maybe a bad ignition switch or bad connections at the switch.
Not sure what is the exact route the ignition takes from the switch, but at some point it must get to the distributor/coil. Look for bad wires.
I've seen bad coils do strange things, but that's a possibility too.
My gasser is currently resting for the winter, but I could probably get to it in a couple of weeks to look over the wiring setup & offer more details.
It's likely someone on here will come up with more ideas.

Eric
CBVET

 

[badgmc56]

First you need to identify if it's a fuel or spark problem. Run the truck till it cuts out and then spray carb clean or starting fluid in the carb throat. Do not open the throttle when cranking to prevent a backfire. If it starts back up, it is a fuel problem. If not I would look towards ignition. There are some simple tests for ignition diagnoses also.

 

[Stretch44875]

I would lean towards a ignition problem. Check for voltage at the distributor, everything else is inside the distributor. Could be coil, condenser, or even moisture under the cap. Could pull a spark plug wire or coil wire to check for spark.

Dennis

 

[Barrman]

Mine did this as well. I put a new coil in and have driven many happy trouble free miles since. Pull the cap off and see if the points are working, sparking and are clean. If they check out ok, go with a new coil.

 

[vinivicci]

got it...

I did eventually figure out it was a fuel pickup problem... kept tank more than half full, no problem, starts right up.

Thanks again for everyone's help