Car cutting out, Now FIXED -thanks!, Looking forward to meeting up at the Ramble Options

[Doug Leggins]

This one has me puzzled. My car runs absolutely great most of the time. Has good drivability around town in stop and go traffic. Is a freakin blast in 3rd gear at 4500 – 5000 RPM though the twistys. It normally runs just like it should in any gear at any RPM. But... it has developed this nasty habit of cutting out at random times. It first occurred back in July when I was driving to the Porsches to Oxford event. I left my house and had been driving along for around 25 minutes, I was cruising along at about 50 miles an hour and it cut out and sounded like it was running on 1 or 2 cylinders. I pulled into a lot and feathered the throttle. It sputtered for 5 seconds or so and then started running fine, just like it should run. I shut the car off and it started right back up like nothing had happened. I got back on the road to Oxford. About one and a half hours later it did it again. This time I was driving around at about 30 mph. It sputtered, kept running poorly for about 5 seconds (again sounding like it was running on 1 or 2 cylinders). I feathered the throttle a few times and it came right out of it and started running fine.

This type of cutting out is still randomly occurring. It will sputter for 5 seconds or so and then come out of it. Or, sometimes the feathering of the throttle will not bring it out of the sputtering and it will die or I will shut it off. It will usually start back up after cranking on the starter for 6-8 seconds (That kind of cranking that seems like winding the car up and eventually it builds up enough desire that it starts.) Usually it starts up and sounds like its running on 1-2 cylinders. After this type of “wind it up” starting 2 or 3 times, it will start up and be running just fine. Then back on the road....

I haven’t been able to determine any pattern other than it will continue to happen until I fix something.

The details of what I am working with: 2056 built by Jake some years back, dual Weber 40’s, Mallory Uni-Lite distributor, Facet Fuel pump, MSD 6AL.

Here’s what I’ve done so far: replaced the fuel filter, installed new facet fuel pump, installed new Aurora plug wires ( I had them and thought maybe it would help), sync’d the carbs. I bought carb rebuild kits but haven’t rebuilt the carbs yet. Thought I’d check with you all for other ideas before I rebuilt the carbs.

Any ideas on what could be causing the cutting out?

Oh yea, one more thing that occurred 2 times tonight while test driving. The car backfired out of the exhaust 3-4 times in rapid succession in about a second or two. Then the car ran just fine after that.

I sure could use some help on this one. I can’t drive it like this to the Rocket City Ramble.

[Doug Leggins]

MSD disconnected and went for a test drive. Drove for 45 fun filled miles with no signs of that silliness of the car cutting out!!!

Maybe that's the solution -no more MSD.

I am going to change the main jets back to the 130's. The 125's seem to be ok, but the 130's seem to have fewer minor transition stumbles coming off of the idle circuits. Plus they seemed to provide better seat of the pants feel in the 3400 - 4000 RPM range.

I'll drive another 45-50 miles tonight going to dinner. That will give me a good feel for the 130'scompared to the 125's.

Feeling MUCH better about driving to the Ramble on Thursday. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

Thanks for the help guys!!! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif)

[914Mike]

MSD disconnected and went for a test drive. Drove for 45 fun filled miles with no signs of that silliness of the car cutting out!!!

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/smilie_pokal.gif)

I just went through a similar experience wqith my 2056/Weber car. It started cutting out on the freeway, at around 70. I suspected the filters, so after changing both the under tank and rear fuel filters, it ran better for a day, but then started cutting out in town. Turned out it was the fuel pump safety switch (Holley 12-810) becoming intermittent after 6 years. Ordered a new one and all is well now...