Well,
I have been having what I think is a cooling problem with my bone stock (as far as I can tell) 1964 1200cc 40 HP engine since the weather warmed up in the spring. After driving 20-30 minutes or at speed on I-295 for an exit or two the oil dip stick is too hot to touch and there is no fuel in the filter (yes, I know the two camps on having a filter in the engine compartment - that will be changed AFTER this problem is solved) and the car hesitates and feels starved for fuel, especially when pulling low in first and second gears.
So... overheating? Fuel delivery problem causing it to run lean? Fuel pump issues when hot?
I installed a new fuel filter and when the engine was cool it filled right up with fuel upon starting the engine. I guess that rules out a clogged line or crud in the tank.
I've read everything I can find and come away with the impression that any number of other problems could be causing this problem.
I did discover something interesting today. It seems that the part of the thermostat system that sticks into the front of the air shroud (looks like an air horn) is missing. I checked with my hand and with a mirror and the sucker is not there. My first thought is that it would help the cooling air flow, but now I'm wondering if that is so. Perhaps it works like a venturi to accelerate the flow of air?
I'm kinda out of my depth here. :confused04:;
The PO used 10w-30 dino oil. When the engine was hot the pressure light would illuminate at low RPM's. Since changing to 10w-40 semi-synthetic that problem seems to have mostly gone away.
Any help, thoughts, whatever would be much appreciated. If one of you engine guru's want's to see it first hand or drive it I'd be happy to bring it your way.
I was planning to start tearing the car down to freshen it up, but I'd like to get this sorted out before hand. When I get a chance I'm planning to check out the Oil Pressure Relief Valve to make sure that's not stuck down.
I guess that's enough for one post...
Thanks,
Richard