[DeTomaso] I hate being technically incompetent-stalling issue

[Asa Jay Laughton]

There are four main elements needed for the average engine to run:
- Air
- Fuel
- Compression
- Ignition

Since we know the engine runs well for a period of time, we know you are 
getting the four elements in the proper amount.  At some point one or 
more go away.

Unless something is stopping up the air horn or air filter, you are 
probably getting plenty of air.  However, PLEASE check your air filter.  
Steve Liebenow has experience with dirty air filters.  Ask him how he 
knows.  ;)

Since the engine runs well for a while, we can safely assume compression 
is not a culprit.  If it were, you would probably still get -something- 
just very underpowered.

This leaves us with fuel and ignition.  You didn't tell us if you have a 
carb or fuel injection, so let's just assume a carb for the moment.  A 
carb is normally fed by a mechanical fuel pump.  A common problem on 
earlier muscle cars was a condition called "Vapor Lock" which as the 
name implies, stops the flow of fuel due to the line being filled with 
vapor rather than fuel.  This condition normally happens from improper 
routing of fuel lines, high engine heat and that heat turning the fuel 
in the lines to vapor.  I don't know that I've really ever heard of this 
happening in a Pantera, but I could be wrong.

That leaves us with Ignition.  Now there are several possible causes.  
The ignition coil could be heating up and separating internally causing 
the loss of ignition.  The MSD box could be going bad from heat or other 
causes, or there could be some electrical connector somewhere that is 
not properly mated and once warm, separates just enough to stop everything.

The thing to do is get the car warm and replicate the stall. Then check 
air, fuel, compression and ignition.  Though in this case, check fuel 
and ignition first.  :)

Have fun,
Asa Jay

Asa Jay Laughton, MSgt, USAFR, Retired

& Shelley Marie
Spokane, WA

1971 Mach I Mustang  [ASA JAY]
1973 Pantera L 5533  [ASASCAT]
    
******************************     
http://www.asajay.com
http://www.351c.info
  



Kerry Maguire wrote:
> Over the last week, my Cat has developed a stalling problem. On Thanksgiving Day, I gave 3 family members a nice spirited ride and everything went well until passenger #4 climbed into the passenger seat.
>  
> We drove only about one mile and the car stalled and quit running. For some reason, after about 1/2 hour, the car fired right up, drove normally, and I drove it home and parked it in the garage.
>  
> Today the Cat fired right up and drove well for about 4 miles and then stalled again.
>  
> I had the car flat bedded to a SD Pantera Club member's house for him to take a look at it. He is speculating that there might be something wrong with the ignition system. BTW, it has the MSD ignition system.
>  
> Any input from fellow members would be greatly appreciated as my mechanic does not frequent the internet much.
>  
> Regards,
>  
> Kerry 
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