Hi.

I have a 1948 Desoto, flathead 6, all original parts. 6 volt charging system, etc. Everythings been rebuilt from carb, to a valve job. The other day the car just died as though I ran out of gas. It sputtered and died. A few minutes later it started up fine. I drove approx. 100 yards and it died again. After repeating the process several times, I got it home and let it rest overnight. This morning the same thing: It started fine. Backed out of the driveway fine. I drove it may 50 yards, it died. HELP! :-) Thanks.

(This post was edited by Tom Greenleaf on May 29, 2009, 3:39 AM)

Garnier; Need to know if it is losing spark or fuel when this happens.
Loren
SW WA

HI, Loren

I believe it's losing spark. I checked the fuel filter and that was clear. Since it starts up right away I assume the fuel pump is working properly. Thanks.

Check points, first. Could be as simple as a faulty condensor. If the points are a blueish color, they are getting hot. If you need specs for point dwell and timing, let me know. I'm sure I can come up with it. Could also be faulty coil, coil wire, distributor cap, ect., so be sure to check all of it. Pretty sure we can rule out crank sensor or injector pulse?
Loren
SW WA

Hi, Loren.

Checked all the electrical stuff. Everything there is fine. Once again, it idles fine, cuts off like it ran out of gas only when driving. Perhaps I was wrong. It wasn't losing spark. Thanks.

Take fuel pressure. Guess only 4-6 psi. The alcohol in many fuels we buy is hard on OE stuff from before using that. A kit may be avalable to do that yourself on this car. Check with either NAPA or a DeSoto car club might be a lot of help,

T

PS: You could use an electric fuel pump but I don't know of any for 6v systems


T
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Tom Greenleaf - MetroWest, Boston

Garnier; Is the fuel filter a clear type? Is it empty when it dies? Does the engine seem flooded when it dies? So many possibilities. Weak fuel pump, needle/seat/float problem, ect. Check your choke operation. Is it opening fully when you push in the choke? Can you keep it running by giving it more choke? (I'm assuming it is a manual choke, of course)
Loren
SW WA

Hey Loren & Tom.

Thanks for your advice. After testing everything we could, it turned out to be the fuel pump. At least for now. :-) In any case, I'm back on the road and HAPPY!

Thanks for the follow up - many folks don't and these archived post/threads can help,

T
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Tom Greenleaf - MetroWest, Boston