Fuel System: '49 Champion won't start after running great for fifteen miles

[Bill Pressler]

Another question here for my B-I-L, who's comparatively recent to Studes (well, at least in being reintroduced to them!):

He drove his '49 Champion convertible about fifteen miles in hot (mid-eighties) weather today, on an up-and-down hilly road, with no sputtering of any kind, and decided to go to a favorite local place for lunch. He said that upon stopping and getting out of the car, he was pleased to note no 'hot' smell nor gas smell. An hour later, and the car would crank strongly, but would not start. He knows the restaurant's owners and they helped him push the car into the garage out back. Another half hour, and still no start.

He called me at this point to ask if I'd put an electric fuel pump on my old Lark (R1) to avoid vapor lock. A friend put it on for hire for me because the car was always hard to start after sitting several days. That car did die on me once while driving in hot weather--the fuel pump just crapped out.

He figures his Champion either experienced vapor lock, or it might need a new fuel pump. He says fuel lines under the hood have an aluminum-foil-looking coating (probably asbestos underneath! LOL) over them.

Does anybody have any experience with a Champion flathead six and vapor lock? Would an electric fuel pump help in this circumstance?

He said he was just feeling really good about the car up until this point today. Haven't we all been there?

Thanks for the basic questions, I know!

[Warren Webb]

I don't have any experience with them but they do require a metal shield over the fuel pump to help prevent such a problem. An electric fuel pump isn't a bad idea anyway since they had this problem before ethanol gas came into existence. Just make sure it has a emergency cut off switch in case of an accident.

[BRUCESTUDE]

Also check for a plugged fuel line from tank rust, it can produce some strange symptoms such as running out of fuel after a few minutes even tho there's fuel in the tank.

[altair]

A couple of simple basic tests, pour about one ounce of fuel down the carb, if it fires and dies there is a fuel problem. Remove the fuel line from the carb and crank the engine (place fuel line in a container) and remove coil wire. If no fuel possible fuel pump or pin hole in fuel line from tank to pump. Remove the fuel line from the tank and blow air in the line (gently with your mouth) and check for any pin holes in the fuel line by spraying soapy water on the fuel line particularly at the clasps and look for bubbles. Lastly check the fuel pump itself by removing the pump and fit a short line to the inlet and put it in a jar of solvent and hand pump the fuel pump if the pump is good it will shoot the solvent at least 6 feet, best of luck David

[mmagic]

Woooo--- your starting with an answer and trying to prove it. Back up and isolate the problem.

Fuel or spark ?
? put small amount of gas or squirt starting fluid in the carburetor and test fire
Yes, Fuel
Work backwards from the carb to the tank with above tests, most likely suspects plugged line or pump
No, Spark
Check for loose wires distributor/coil etc. Work from plugs to ignition testing for current.

[unclemiltie]

I had this problem on my 47 Champion several years back and it turned out to be the starter!. After spending time diagnosing the problem and replacing several components, I replaced the starter and the problem never occurred again.

[Bill Pressler]

Thanks all--I've forwarded this link to him for his review.