Hey everyone,

I have a 1964 E type coupe with the 3.8L engine. The engine stalls after 20 mins of run time and will not restart. So far the mechanic has replaced the following:

- the distributer
- coil, spark plug wires
- fuel pump
- and all external engine part that could potentially be problematic

Any ideas or is it time to open up the engine?

Thanks for any guidance

 

Hi 64ETPY101,

When the engine dies:
Will the engine crank over?
Can you hear the gas pump?
Do you have spark?
Have you tried spraying starter fluid in the carbs?

I would NOT start opening the engine before checking the above out. It takes four things for and engine to runs - spark, fuel, air and compression. Most of the time the problem is spark - points, condenser or coils. i.e. electrical parts over heating

What part of the country are you in?

 

You don't list the condenser in your replaced parts list. I agree with Bob that it's likely due to heat and most likely electrical. Condensers can fail and those of us of a certain age remember that they were routinely replaced with the points in a tune-up. I'd replace the condenser, and just to be safe the points, before taking anything apart. The answer is unlikely to be found internally.

 

Thanks for the replies. I will reach out to confirm the condenser has been checked/replace. I am located in Ohio.

 

It helps to be systematic. Narrow the problem down. Is it sparks or fuel?

Two mystery problems I've experienced: After 20 minutes, it could be a blocked fuel tank vent. Try taking the filler cap off and re-starting. Another possibility is the radiator top hose. There can be a tiny, hard to detect drip (from the connection at the thermostat end) that falls on to the distributor.

 

My fuel filter in glass bowl restricted fuel flow and I could not see it was blocked visually.

 

all good points, but remember that thee days even brand new coils and condensers can be crap right out of the box. Perhaps your mechanic can try a coil from another running vehicle that is known to keep working after the engine heats up.

 

Hi 64Etype101,

I think that Peter3442 hit the nail on the head. The 64 is supposed to have a vented gas cap, if it doesn't after a while the fuel pump will create a vacuum in the gas tank. The pump won't be able to pump fuel to the carbs, causing the car to stall.

 

A good idea and easy enough to check. Run the car until it stalls and open the gas cap. Then try to start the car while it's still hot.

 

Also, you say you did the distributor - but rotor arm? There are a number of dodgy rotor arms which fail when hot. King lead? (Coil to distributor cap)
But I agree, check when it fails to start to see if you have a spark at the plugs (take one out and still connected to it's lead hold near cylinder head while turning over)
Fuel? Disconnect the fuel line after filter bowl and see what flow is like

 

I would agree with Dibby regarding the rotor. My 69 S2 exhibited similar symptoms and the shop found a pinhole in the plastic/bakelite rotor. Air, fuel, spark is all these old boys need and mine did not like a holey rotor.

 

I didn’t see anything about the fuel pump. Can you hear it pumping? The points on those get dirty over time and need to be cleaned. Do it with every oil change and your fuel pump will last forever. It takes 2 minutes to do.
Don’t buy a new fuel pump!!! That SU if maintained will last longer than you will.