1963 327/300 Engine Start Problem
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 31
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1963 327/300 Engine Start Problem
I have a 1963 327/300 that has been running fine. All of a sudden it shut down. I t will start but only run for a few seconds. There is fuel in the tank, the fuel pump is working and the carb has been rebuilt and is pumping fuel. Any suggestions?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 8,918
Likes: 5,463
From: Richardson Texas
What type of ignition system are you using...stock points setup or and electronic unit?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 8,918
Likes: 5,463
From: Richardson Texas
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 8,918
Likes: 5,463
From: Richardson Texas
Remove the air cleaner lid. Start the car. As soon as it shuts down, activate the accelerator lever at the carburetor while looking down the front two barrels...do you see a squirt of fuel? Sounds like a fuel starvation problem, possibly.
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 21,395
Likes: 1,011
From: Various places in Southern California.
Just to be clear, does it run for several seconds after the key is released back to the run position? Or does it shut down as soon as you release the key?
Also, when it shuts down, does it run rough for a bit first?
Also, when it shuts down, does it run rough for a bit first?
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Racer
Joined: Dec 2025
Posts: 275
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From: Pachuta, MS
My standard advice for this problem is to go out and buy yourself something like a Lisle LS20610 inline spark tester to substitute for the coil wire. You then know when it stops running IF it's an ignition problem then you can worry about why. One more thing to check: When the engine starts does the choke open just a bit or does it stay fully closed or nearly so? If so, the choke pull-off piston might be stuck but I'm betting ignition.
Last edited by acstephenson; Today at 02:46 PM.
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 21,395
Likes: 1,011
From: Various places in Southern California.
It does sound like you're losing spark when it dies.
And this is the best way to test that, IMO.
And this is the best way to test that, IMO.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 7,465
Likes: 2,644
From: Really Central IL Illinois
An induction timing light will also work on the coil wire or individual wires to monitor spark.
How long ago did you fill up with fuel and what fuel? I recently had a problem with E10 fuel that the engine would start and run for a few seconds before dying.
How long ago did you fill up with fuel and what fuel? I recently had a problem with E10 fuel that the engine would start and run for a few seconds before dying.