Help! Ghia dies once in a while...

TxGhia · Post by **TxGhia** » Mon Jul 22, 2002 7:59 pm

hey, my 74 ghia hesitates and then dies every few days. After I roll to the shoulder of the street and wait 5-10min everything is fine and I can drive off.. I've adjusted the timing correctly and replaced the battery ( stuff that needed to be done anyway) and it still hesitates then dies. Thanks for reading!

Plastermaster · Post by **Plastermaster** » Mon Jul 22, 2002 8:39 pm

Maybe a vapor lock or carb icing. Mine used to do it befor it was warmed up completely. Dual carbs fixed the problem (short manifolds)

Ron

TxGhia · Post by **TxGhia** » Tue Jul 23, 2002 4:16 am

Could that happen like at the end of a 2 hour drive in 90 degree heat? I was driving about 65 the whole time and it did the same thing.. In 1,000 miles it just started doing it about 200 miles ago. I haven't changed anything.
oh well a 2276cc will replace it in a few months, but having to pull over every once in a while cuz it dies sucks!!

Post by **Marc** » Tue Jul 23, 2002 4:51 am

Carb icing can happen in mild weather if conditions are ideal but it's not likely at that temperature. Vapor lock (or just plain ol' crud in the fuel tank) is a more likely cause.

rich2481 · Post by **rich2481** » Tue Jul 23, 2002 5:44 am

takes fuel, spark and air to run a engine,
sounds fuel starved,
check carbs and fuel lines for crap,

TxGhia · Post by **TxGhia** » Tue Jul 23, 2002 4:19 pm

How should I check the carb and fuel line, any steps to take, or should I just replace the fuel line, ( or rather run one down the tunnel along side the old one) and maybe I should replace the fuel tank? The carb looks to be pretty new, but how can I check it for being clogged, Thanks again for all your guys help!

pamon · Post by **pamon** » Tue Jul 23, 2002 5:24 pm

TX Ghia. Check your coil.

Post by **Marc** » Tue Jul 23, 2002 5:33 pm

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by pamon:
TX Ghia. Check your coil. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Another good thought! The insulation could be breaking down when hot (if you see an oily substance oozing out just replace it - if it isn't bad yet it will be soon).

TxGhia · Post by **TxGhia** » Tue Jul 23, 2002 6:00 pm

hmm, I did instal the pertronix flame thrower coil, electronic ignition and spark plug wires recently.. Would it "break" so early? I'll check it in the morning..

In2vws · Post by **In2vws** » Tue Jul 23, 2002 9:04 pm

Another thought...
Are you running the steel fuel line around the fan housing?Make sure it is secured,(as in no vibration), and is away from hot engine parts.

TxGhia · Post by **TxGhia** » Thu Jul 25, 2002 4:13 pm

Seems like the best thing for me to do would be to replace the whole line, since I'll be upgrading the engine in about 2 months. Anyone have any recommendations as to what size and what type of line to replace it with, that I could also use on my stock engine? The new engine will be a 2276cc with an electric fuel pump.
I checked and there wasn't anything leaking from the coil. and the fuel line goes around the left side of the engine over the intake manifolds, is this all ok? This is my daily driver so it'll be awhile until I can drain the tank. Is there a special plug to do this? Thanks for all the help, I really want to get this stocker reliable before college starts on the 26th of august!

TxGhia · Post by **TxGhia** » Fri Sep 27, 2002 7:26 pm

Here's a little update:
Installed bosch blue coil, ra fine for ~100miles, stalled again, took it to a shop, had metal fuel line zip tied away from the intake manifolds plus all fuel lines replaced from tunnel back ( they were old and dry-replacing the rest asap).

Ran for a good 600miles at 60-65mph, then starts stalling all over again, i checked the fuel tank again and this time there was a piece of solder (as used by electricians) about 1 inch away from the nipple that sucks the fuel from the tank.

Drive about 150-200miles and today it stalled again, wouldnt even start back up when usually it would just take a minute or two and I could drive at a max of 45mph without it stalling, today i had to have it towed home, found out that the oil was dreadfully low--as in it needed 1.25 quarts!

Filled it up immediatly and drove her around for about 15minutes, hitting 60mph for about 30 seconds then cruising at 45 the rest of the way, it didnt stall but I'm scared to take her out on the highways here in texas, their awful and in all this not a single person has stopped to help!

Anyone, any suggestions?? I was told by a trusted friend today that it might be my stock dizzy acting up ( has pertronix points) ill check it out again tommorow, here are some specs:

1974 Ghia
completely stock 1600 with an original 100,680miles on it.
Bosch blue coil
pertronix ignitor
pertronix wires

Post by **Marc** » Fri Sep 27, 2002 7:52 pm

I still think it sounds like a crap-in-the tank problem. Have you checked yet to see if dumping a little gas down the carbs "fixes" it when it conks? How `bout rigging a temporary fuel source (can in the back seat, hose through the window, whatever...)
The stock-sized line through the tunnel should be adequate for your combo (if it's clear).

GhiaMonster · Post by **GhiaMonster** » Fri Sep 27, 2002 9:02 pm

I'm betting on crap in the tank and/or fuel line.

I'd remove and thoroughly clean the tank. While it's out, blow out the metal line with compressed air.

------------------
Mike
'69 Ghia - Primered but it's mine!

[This message has been edited by GhiaMonster (edited 09-27-2002).]