49 C-8 Running Woes......

harry54
harry54 Senior Contributor
edited November -1 in HUDSON
Does anyone have any suggestions. I have 49 c-8 sedan that use to run like a dream. However I seem to have some new issues... A week ago , My wife and I were on our way out to a Wedding in Long Island , traveling from Ct. , when at 65mph the car started to sputter . When I gave it more gas it was ok, but when I let of the gas it would start to sputter and back fire. I made it to my sisters and got another set of wheels.

I thing I have an ignition problem.. When the Cap got pulled of the distributor. the pts had a growth of carbon on them. They got replaced and also the condenser. Then the car ran great again. Today after the trip coming home to CT, simialar without the backfire the car was steadily losing power. First at 60 mph bucking and sputting, then 50 and limping on home at 40mph. About 5 miles from home dead. I checked for spark and got none.

I then ran to NAPA and bought a coil. It fired right up. Ran great at idle but as soon as I put under a load, no power.

It's timed right and the pts are right. Seems like a maybe a short ???? I'm open to ideas. THanks all..........

Comments

  • Unknown
    Unknown
    Have you check your fuel system? Sounds like you may have blockage in your lines and/or filters.
  • [Deleted User]
    [Deleted User]
    Where did you get the condensor your used? try changing that out for another one. I saw this when replacing a condensor with one I had on the bench in an NOS box. Replaced with another from my supply and problem went away. A really weird problem with many false starts to fix. Give it a whirl if you have another and see what happens.
  • harry54
    harry54 Senior Contributor
    It's a new auto parts store condenser. I have a clear full fuel filter . The bowl is full. I also have a back up electric fuel pump. I tried that and still no difference...
  • 50C8DAN
    50C8DAN Senior Contributor
    Did you replace the distributor cap??? Sometimes you can get a hairline crack and can't see it and it will cause no end of havoc with trying or keeping the car running.
  • harry54
    harry54 Senior Contributor
    yes i did....it has new cap, rotor, coil, pts , condenser, good comlpression. If you heard it idle you'd be dumbfounded....
  • [Deleted User]
    [Deleted User]
    harry54 wrote:
    yes i did....it has new cap, rotor, coil, pts , condenser, good comlpression. If you heard it idle you'd be dumbfounded....



    Have U checked the mechanical and vacuum advance mechanisms? The internal wiring of the distributor for failed insulation ... shorts will result. The movement of the mechanical and vacuumed advance will control the timing shifts needed to allow for smooth and hesitation free acceleration. Also if the timing is changing due to worn or failed gears at the distributor or cam the timing will be effected.



    Good Luck... let us know what ends fixing your
  • Unknown
    Unknown
    I remember being told by another person with a Model A who had issues something like this...He had the luck of getting two bad coils in a row and then after the third one the car ran like a dream. I know it's not very likely, but if you've got another spare coil that you know works, I'd try it.
  • harry54
    harry54 Senior Contributor
    Thanks all. I'll give it a shot.
  • mars55
    mars55 Senior Contributor
    harry54 wrote:
    It's a new auto parts store condenser. I have a clear full fuel filter . The bowl is full. I also have a back up electric fuel pump. I tried that and still no difference...



    The blockage could be in the carburetor. A jet could be blocked.
  • Uncle Josh
    Uncle Josh Senior Contributor
    There are a bunch of aftermarket wires from the distributor case to the points running around with a large wire crimp near the case, which rubs the breaker plate when it rotates under vacuum. It was shorting my 8 right out at anything above idle. Had to grind a little off the crimp.
  • Unknown
    Unknown
    Ken Cates is spot on! As the vacuum advance moves the breaker plate, it also pulls on the B+ distributor lead from the coil to the points. If the insulation is worn it can go to ground against the distributor housing. A quick test can be made by placing masking tape around this lead and go for a test drive. If this fixes the problem obtain or build a new lead.

    Good Luck
  • harry54
    harry54 Senior Contributor
    Josh and Fred, That seems very logical. It certianly seems like an ignition problem . That is the one thing i haven't checked. As you know the distributor in that car is tough to take out. I haven't pulled it out yet. It kind of scares me because i know if i don't put it in correct the timing will be off..... Do you have any suggestions or tricks for pulling the distributor out and putting it back ?

    Thanks for all the help .
  • hudsonguy
    hudsonguy Senior Contributor
    To pull your distributor, first mark it's relation to the block (scratch, mark, tape, etc.) and make sure you don't turn the engine over while you have it out, and it should drop right back into place when you're ready to re-install. Of course you'll still have to set your timing more precisely when you can.
  • harry54
    harry54 Senior Contributor
    Thanks so much....
  • Jon B
    Jon B Administrator
    One trick I use: I first paint some of that white-out fluid on the "advance control arm' (with the advance-retard markings on it), through which the hold-down bolt passes. Paint on both sides of the bolt (or the washer if there is one). Also note the position of the rotor (12:00, 1:15, etc., as if it's a clock). Then remove the bolt and lift out the distributor.



    When you replace it, you of course want to get the rotor in the approximate position (though you'll note it rotates slightly as you slide the distributor into the block; the gears are spiral). When you go to insert the bolt, your paint will exactly position the bolt on the "advance control arm", so no fine-tuning should be necessary.
  • harry54
    harry54 Senior Contributor
    Thanks Jon, that's a good tip....
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