Stalling/Power loss etc

djw&cjw71lemans

djw&cjw71lemans

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I have a weird problem. My 71 Lemans 350 is having very intermittent issue where the car will run and drive fine for days etc and then all of a sudden last Saturday the engine stalled. In order to start it you have to hold your foot nearly to the floor and pretty much keep your foot into it while limping it home shifting in and out of neutral/drive to keep the engine running. It will stall if you don't keep your foot into it etc. The car had been driven quite a bit on Saturday and previously with no problems at all. I did fill the tank with gas prior to this happening but then drove it for quite a bit. The other thing to note is after getting it home there was a very strong smell of gas in my garage from it but no leaks anywhere? We had a similar situation with it last fall before putting it away for the winter. But starting it up this spring etc it has been running great until now. The other weird thing to note is after all this I started it on Sunday and it seems fine. This is a car that sat for many years until last summer when I drained all the fluids etc and got the car running etc. I am suspecting possible fuel pump but looking for any input. Also about a good replacement fuel pump. Thanks!
 
I would not jump at the fuel pump without a pressure test. Personally to me it sounds based on the car sitting for so long that the needle and seat in the carburetor is dealing with dirt or gum build up causing flooding.
 
Thanks guys! I have been using the car daily for the past few days and everything appears to be fine. I think I may consider rebuilding or replacing the carb. I'm thinking of replacing the original rochester 2 bbl with a bolt on 4 bbl. Anyone have any suggestions on a good one for a 350?
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You need a different intake manifold to put on a 4bbl. Edelbrock makes a good one for the Pontiac which will take both Rochester and Holley Carburetors along with the Edelbrock carbs.
 
Thanks. Just a quick update to let everyone know I have been driving the car daily for weeks without changing anything and all is fine. Perhaps there was something in the gas or stuck in the fuel filter since etc. We have taken it on several longer trips, lots of short ones, and all is fine. Glad I didn't go after the fuel pump or anything else. Thanks again.
 
glad to hear you got it running, enjoy.
 
Not surprising for a car that sat for a long time. Sounds like a bit of debris or gunk in the fuel line or, as Mel suggested, on the needle and seat. If anything, I would replace the fuel filter, even if it has been replaced not too long ago. I would even consider installing another filter inline in the engine compartment, nearer the carb.

It's possible that there may be residual contamination in the lines that will eventually flush downstream with continued use. Using some good fuel treatments in the next few tankfuls may help clean and smooth things out as well.
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