62 Engine Problem
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 1,203
Likes: 1
From: Sarasota FL
62 Engine Problem
I've been helping switch engines in a 62 (base 327 auto) and have the same problem as before the transplant: the engine doesn't want to start when hot. We've replaced the engine with a correct 62 block, rebuilt the starter, rodded out the radiator and installed a new battery. When cold, it starts and shifts OK. Get things up to operating temp and shifting into drive or reverse stalls the engine. Trying to restart it is the challenge; it's like the battery is low - very slow to crank, even to the point of click, click, click. The next turn of the key could be another click or a slow crank or a few faster cranks. Occasionally it'll start up, but shift it into gear and it stalls again. When running at operating temp, the temp gauge just made it past 180 but when it stalled a fair amount of (new) coolant exited the expanstion tank via the cap, not the overflow tube. I'm wondering where to look next: trans? electrical? (I like my 57 better every day...)
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 157
Likes: 0
From: Maurertown Virginia
Hot fuel?
It sounds like "vapor lock" to me. Make sure your fuel lines are far enough away from heat. An in-line fuel filter should help.and I've heard that clothes pins, on the lines, help alleviate the problem (although I don't know scientific reasoning to support this).
Racer
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 269
Likes: 0
From: Berea, KY, USA
Hello Bill,
Sounds like a couple of problems......
My first guess would be a carb float level too high or vapor lock for the stall problem.....and a draggy starter for the wont crank when hot problem. Did you change the starter? Heat soaked starters act like you have a very low battery.
A completely different line of thought would be low voltage when hot. This could be a bad ground...engine ground.... or such. Should be easy to find with a VOM.
Good luck
Dave62
Sounds like a couple of problems......
My first guess would be a carb float level too high or vapor lock for the stall problem.....and a draggy starter for the wont crank when hot problem. Did you change the starter? Heat soaked starters act like you have a very low battery.
A completely different line of thought would be low voltage when hot. This could be a bad ground...engine ground.... or such. Should be easy to find with a VOM.
Good luck
Dave62
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 2,865
Likes: 195
From: Maryland
I dont know if this is your problem but in the case of my 62 I changed the battery cables from parts store 4 gauge to 2/0 welding cable. That was the 80s standard fix for slow cranking engines in hot weather. In my case it made a world of difference as my turn signals actually blink at idle .
Racer
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 269
Likes: 0
You didn't say what carberator was on the engine or intake. Your problem could be heat transfer from the intake to the carberator causing the fuel in the carb to perk. The gasket material between the carb and the intake is critical in hot start situations in addition to good starter action. Good luck.
