4 replies to this topic

[PJLaubscher]

Hey guys I'm very frustrated right now. Just finished my car this morning (changed nothing on the engine), Just neatened up the interior and exterior I also installed 2 small amps and a radio. Have been going fine for 3 days with the radio and amps installed and I havened listened to the radio while the car was off. Anyway I was driving about for 10 min at about 40mph and the car just stalled, Red ign light coming on. Had a friend tow me home and tried to start the car. Car starts every second or third time but idles for about 5 seconds and stalls, red light coming on Any ideas before I take the car to a garage someone please?

[dklawson]

The warning lights (red for the charging system and amber for oil pressure) are normal. They only indicate that the engine RPM have dropped very low and/or that the engine has stopped.

Does your distributor have points or an electronic ignition?

[PJLaubscher]

Hey It has points

[bmcecosse]

Any fuel in the tank ?

[dklawson]

There are a couple of potential problems that could cause this, neither of which is likely to have involved the stereo or your straightening the inside of the car.

It goes without saying that you need fuel, air, and spark in the correct amounts and at the correct time for the engine to run. Since the engine can start with effort and dies quickly, start by checking the condition of your ignition points and their gap. If the gap has closed up it can be very hard to start the engine and when the engine warms even a slight bit, the engine may stall. Once you have excluded the points, try tipping a thimble of gasoline down the carb throat. If the engine starts easier but quickly dies as before, you are likely to have a fuel delivery problem associated with plugged filters, or a stuck float valve in the carb.

Start with checking and setting the points and let us know if the situation improves.