Gas delivery problems on the 36 Hudson 8

Browniepetersen

I have been having a problem all summer long with keeping the Hudson running. What happens is that it starts right up. Runs fine for about ten miles and then it quits. It will restart after a minute but when you step on the gas, it quits. I have rebuilt/replaced the gas tank, new fuel line filter, new lines, installed an inline six volt gas pump, rebuilt the carborator and it is still causing me fits. Oh, I also rebuilt the distributor because it had a bit of play and it seemed like the right thing to do. I am wondering if the carbs on thes Hudson 8's bolted right on the manifold or did they have a spacer or heat deflector? Any good ideas?

bob ward

One possible cause is a combination of 1936 engine bay layout and modern fuels which is causing either vapour lock and/or carby float level problems.

An insulating spacer between the carb and manifold won't do any harm, neither will a deflector to shield the carb, or more specifically the float bowl, from exhaust manifold heat.

37 CTS

I have many gaskets between the manifold and the carb and a heat deflector. Get longer studs if needed to bolt down the carb. Also I used a three outlet AMC fuel filter and used the third outlet for a return line to the fuel tank, at the filler pipe. Also make sure your radiator is perfoming to cool. I had my radiator recored and that helped all this a lot. Give me a call if needed for details.

Park_W

Brownie, the symptom matches that for having a non-vented gas cap. If in doubt, loosen the gas cap and give it a test drive.

Trevor J

I had a somilar problem with my 37 Terraplane It also had an electric pump. I checked the pump and it seemed to be pumping okay. In sheer frustration I replaced the pump and have not had a problem. Worth a try???
Trevor NZ

Browniepetersen

Checking off the list one at a time. Just put on a new electric pump and drove around a bit with the gas cap loose and still having the problem. The radiator was cleaned a few years ago but I plan to flush it today as well. Today I am going to drive down to the shop and warm her up and take a heat reading at the fuel pump just to see how hot it is. I spoke with Glen Johnson and will drive up and look over his stock and see if we can locate insulating spacer and deflector. I'll keep everyone posted.

Glowplug

Replacement gas lines suffer from internal failure due to alcohol in fuel supply. Output at tank or any other place is suspect. If the pickup tune for the tank is unable to provide fuel under all loads this is a potential delivery failure point.

Park_W

Brownie, that electric pump isn't the Carter rotary vane one, is it? I think you'll recall the discussion about that pump not allowing enough fuel through when they're not running. Engine-driven pump isn't able to draw fuel easily through it.

Browniepetersen

Thanks for all the points. The electric pump is not the Carter one and today while I changed the oil it is running great~! More than ample fuel. I added a gasket, and checked out the fuel lines. Next step, first of the week is the AMC fuel filter. That has to be the final cure... That does not work I will start considering a twin H for it? Only kidding, that must be the M&M's from the candy machine talking?