Runs good then idle drops

[amsiegel]

Each time I take the car out runs good at first than it starts to stutter after a little longer it has a problem idleing some time it stalls at red lights. The car can idle with no problem while its parked and for quick spins around the block. Once I am on the rode for about 15 minutes the problem starts. Last night it happen and was looseing idle but 5 minutes after I return to my garage I started the car and it idled fine for 15 minutes till I turned it off.

I pulled the fuel sending unit to look into the gas tank. Above the gas level the tank was shiny on the bottom there where some debree (flakes and stuff) but nothing really bad. The screen on the fuel sending unit did have a slit from top to bottom in it. Sometimes the fuel pump hums other times it sounds like a blender with ice in it.

Here is my plan please tell if this is good or overkill or should I be looking at something else.

Drain tank, rinse it out the debree, change out the fuel sending unit and fuel pump.

The car is a 77 the pump is electric. I did just change the fuel filter becasue the material inside was the color of honey.

Thanks

[So Cal Mark]

don't expect the fuel pump to cure an idling problem if it runs down the road just fine. I'd check the idle cutoff solenoid, it may shut off once it gets hot. Look for vacuum leaks, especially if the carburetor mounting nuts are loose

[majicwrench]

Mark is right, fuel pump problem or debris issues in tank are not going to cause idle issues, esp if car runs down road OK.
Carbs are touchy, make sure everything is snug. Just a thought, what's the weather like?? Ever seen a carb ice up?? Happens most often tween 30 and 50 deg F.
Keep us posted,
Keith

[amsiegel]

I have never seen a carb ice up. I live in Florida so i do not think that is going to happen.
The car runs good and idles good but after awhile of driving is when it acts up. It can sit and idle let it idle for an hour the other night and it drove fine. Then after I took it for a spin it started to idle and die out at lights. I will snug the carb down and replace the old vaccum lines.

Thanks.

[amsiegel]

Ok I think Mark has figured how to sneak into my garage and look at my car after I ask a question. How does it get from SoCal to FL so fast. I think he has a Star trek teleporter.

Mark you where right the nuts holding the carb down where loose, 3 need just to ne snugged back down the forth I could turn with my fingers. I was going to remove the solenoid to make sure the threads where 10mm and when I went to remove the wire the connector on the solenoid came out with no effort. I am guessing that is not a good thing. Looks like I need to call Vick or IAP. The one european parts store here has no clue what I am talking about when i called.

Thank you once again.

[majicwrench]

Glad to hear success stories, I would bet Mark has "been there done that" before!

Yeah, carb icing more likely here in NW Montana that in Florida...........
Keith

[mbouse]

the carb hold down nuts are less than finger tight? then the idle solenoid falls out in your hand?

umm... before you go ordering any parts, what else has been tampered with and not properly installed? What is the reason to be calling the catalogue suppliers at this time? i dunn git it.

how about you do a once over the entire engine bay; take an hour or so tweaking and testing the various fittings, hoses, valves, and connections. you might be surprised what else you find that is loose, corroded and needs a general spruce up. the results might be very satisfactory without spending a dime at the parts store.

[amsiegel]

It was just the wire on solenoid that fell out.
But crawling over the car tightening everfything down does sound like a good idea.

Thanks again Mbouse

[So Cal Mark]

I'm like Santa on Christmas Eve, making the rounds of good little Spider owners and checking their cars

[amsiegel]

I'm like Santa on Christmas Eve, making the rounds of good little Spider owners and checking their cars

Dear Spider Santa,


I have been a good boy this year. I would like new seats, a big carb, some new tires, new carpet, and anything else you can think of.

Thank you

[azygoustoyou]

What size carb or carb's would you guys put on a 1800 eng to get good performance and what would that cost?

[So Cal Mark]

it depends on the state of the engine and type of exhaust

[amsiegel]

Got Idle Solennoid last night and the car is running much better.
Once again Mark (aka Spider Santa) was right

Thanks

[azygoustoyou]

Well the engine has been rebuilt. I have no clue what was used in it. I have a 4-2-1 now. I will need another one sometime soon. I have to wait for Santa to bring it to me.

[So Cal Mark]

for most applications I'd use a 32/36 dfev