starts then stalls

[markzepp820]

my 79' chevy pickup stalls everytime I start it now. It has a 350 with of course, HEI ignition. I've narrowed it down to it possibly being the ignition coil or module. the carb is fine, float level ect... and also check other things too. I narrowed it down to the electrical system. I have a new cap, rotor, plug wires, and plugs. And still does the same thing(starts for a second then stalls). I know the coil and module are the original parts, they say GM on them and look real old. being 27 years old, I'm guessing they're wore out. If these two parts are worn out or malfuntioning, will this cause my motor to stall immediatly after i start it? thanks,
mark

[roundedline]

By stalls you mean dies right?  

Chris Lucas
www.73-87chevytrucks.com
www.captkaoscustoms.com
Project Su
Jimmy 2WD Project

[Lt.Del]

Whenever I experience something like that, i throw in a new part that is the suspected culprit.  You can get entire HEI distributors (all smc hei distributors are the same, match up whether it is vacuum adv. is all) for about $25.  I have about three distributors in my garage---I visit the salvage yard here several times a year and strip off parts.

I once put a brand new NAPA distributor in my 383 stroker.  It lasted about one month before it would be very difficult to start when the engine was warm. Had to wait for the engine to cool before it would start again.  I am sure it was the module or some other internal part.  I simply took that joker out and put in an older distributor that i got from the junk yard for $25 and she is still in it and running like a champ.

moral of the story, if you have a slavage yard near you, get a few extra starters, alternators, distributors, etc..  I have about three extra of each in my garage.  

SgtDel
aka "Andy"

www.delbridge.net

1979 Big 10 383 stroker
1991 Blu 'Burb 3/4 ton 4x4

[markzepp820]

yes, by stalls i mean it dies.

[VileZambonie]

So how long does it run before it stalls?  

[DnStClr]

Did you take the fuel line off to see if gas squirts out while trying to start?

Don St.Clair
Culleoka Tn

[markzepp820]

yes, it does squirt fuel out of the line. the fuel bowl is full. And it only runs for 2 seconds.

[gpday06]

how old is your fuel pump? or how new?

[VileZambonie]

Are you losing spark? Do you have an ohm meter? Check the resistance of the pick up coil. Unplug it from the module and 500-1500 Ohms is acceptable typically around 800.  

[markzepp820]

I had the module and coil checked and they are still good and in working order. my guess is the electrical is not the problem. My carb was acting up a little bit when my truck was running. Can a carburetor cause this starting for second then stalling delimma? thanks, mark

[roundedline]

yes, a carb can cause it, vacuum leak, clogged fuel filter, junk in the tank.  
From what I am understanding it appears to be running out of gas after you start it?  What changed last before this started happening?

Chris Lucas
www.73-87chevytrucks.com
www.captkaoscustoms.com
Project Su
Jimmy 2WD Project

[markzepp820]

while my truck was running, the needle and seat was bad. The bowl would fill up with to much fuel and my truck would die at a stop sign, unless i feathered the gas pedal to 1000rpm's or so. I replaced that and it still did this occasionally. I did install an inline filter right before the fuel pump; due to the junk in my tank, making my fuel pump(s) go out. The carb filter is fairly new. I'm guessing my fuel pump might be close to shot or my inline filter is clogged. Just some possibilities. any suggestions? thanks, mark

[VileZambonie]

The correct thing to do is find out why it's stalling. Is it losing spark? Is it running out of fuel? Carefully mist some carb clean over the carburetor and see if it continues to run. If it does then you know your problem is fuel.  

[markzepp820]

I'm really thinking my q-jet is the problem to all this. yesterday, when i tried to start it, it coughed like it wanted to run. then next thing i know, my choke plate is on fire! my carb is making a *POOF* sound out the top of it, then a small fireball shoots up! I know for sure the timing is correct. What causes a carb to shoot a fireball??? mark

[markzepp820]

Can an ignition coil get bad to where it causes a weak spark? Or does it go bad instantly, and get NO spark?

       Also, I think my timing chain is stretched. I did the slack test. I hand cranked my motor to TDC compression stroke for #1 cyl. I was watching the rotor and when i turned it the opposite way and it did not immediatly start turning, like there was slack.
   
       I also think my base timing in relation with the timing tab is OFF. #1 cyl. stops compressing air out of the spark plug hole at about an estimate of 25 degrees BTDC. So that leads me to believe my timing is way to retarded, causing this backfire through the carb? Any suggestions? Thanks, Mark

sorry this is so long, i just really want to get my engine running again.