1968 Catalina 400cui engine shutting off

[donrolfo]

Hello everyone,
since some weeks the engine (400cui) on my 1968 Catalina is harder and harder to start. When cold, it took usually 7-8 trials till it finally starts up. Usually it will start for one or two strokes, then go off again. Yesterday I had to try until the (fully charged) battery was empty, like 12 or 15 times before it finally kept running. It was idling, but immediately went off when I hit the accelerator. To make things worse, the engine shut off three times during slow driving (oil lamp coming on once it shut off), luckily could be restarted. This never happened before, and occurred after about one hour of driving.

The engine was completely overhauled about 2000 miles ago (by previous owner, done by a professional workshop).
Any idea what could be the issue? Oil level is fine both on engine and transmission, and last oil change was about 1000 miles ago.

Looking forward to your responses
Ralph

 

[melsg5]

there are lots of reasons this could happen, either ignition or fuel. I have no idea what your mechanical skill level is.
1. Can you check the dwell angle of the points?
2. Can you check ignition timing?
3. Can you check the positive and negative terminals of the ignition coil for loose connections?
4. Can you do a fuel pressure test?
5. Can you check the primary and second circuits of the ignition coil?
6. Can you check for a cracked distributor cap or rotor?

 

[pappabear71]

Might also want to look into the carb. Could be something simple as the choke is sticking. Like previously stated, could be a number of things. Good luck.

 

[cammerjeff]

I agree the 1st thing I would check is the choke, also are you using the correct procedure to start a car with a carburetor? Usually you press the accelerator down to the floor 1 time to close the choke, them give the gas pedal 3 or 4 half pumps to pump some gas into the manifold to richen the mixture for starting.
Cooler temps (under around 60 degrees F ) the choke needs to be mostly closed for the engine to have a rich enough mixture to start.

Just covering a basic that most people who grew up with only Fuel injected cars do know usually know.

If you are using the proper starting procedure then choke adjustment would be my next step. If it runs fine after warming up the choke is probably no closing properly.