1970 Challenger 440
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1970 Challenger 440
Hi All -
I recently purchased a completely rebuilt 1970 Challenger SE with a 440. Beautiful car. Doesn't run (very well). Seems like a fuel issue. After it gets hot (which is fast) it starts idling rough and once it's turned off, will not start. Long story short we believe its vapor lock. Carb just isn't getting fuel. So, we researched and found out a 1970 440 (not original engine) came OEM which a Fuel/ Vapor separator for potential vapor lock. The rebuild didn't have it in there. We ordered the separator, installed in (vapor return to fill tube for tank) and also moved the fuel line away from the block. Got it going today and it's better but still really shaky. Any ideas on this? I'm going to check if it has the correct fuel pump just in case (maybe they put a 6 cylinder in there?). Is it possible the pump isn't working right? Next step if I don't get some ideas is go electrical fuel pump, but like to keep it as original as possible if I can. Ideas? Thanks.
I recently purchased a completely rebuilt 1970 Challenger SE with a 440. Beautiful car. Doesn't run (very well). Seems like a fuel issue. After it gets hot (which is fast) it starts idling rough and once it's turned off, will not start. Long story short we believe its vapor lock. Carb just isn't getting fuel. So, we researched and found out a 1970 440 (not original engine) came OEM which a Fuel/ Vapor separator for potential vapor lock. The rebuild didn't have it in there. We ordered the separator, installed in (vapor return to fill tube for tank) and also moved the fuel line away from the block. Got it going today and it's better but still really shaky. Any ideas on this? I'm going to check if it has the correct fuel pump just in case (maybe they put a 6 cylinder in there?). Is it possible the pump isn't working right? Next step if I don't get some ideas is go electrical fuel pump, but like to keep it as original as possible if I can. Ideas? Thanks.
Mopar Lover
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 1,889
Likes: 170
From: Long Island, NY
jc -
While Dragpak's suggestion is the usual first stop, before you start changing fuel pumps and rods, check the obvious. Make sure there are no restrictions ANYWHERE along the fuel line, from tank to carb. Having gone through this last year, it can get pretty frustrating. We changed the pump, rod, part of the fuel line and no joy. Finally looked at the fuel filter and the inlet hole was being partially blocked by the threads (Mr Gasket type glass filter). Turned the ends a little and the problem went away. Not saying that's your problem, just saying it will be the last place you look
.
Yes, I've seen both fuel pump push rods and cam lobes wear, but it's pretty rare, if the engine was broken in properly.
Archer
While Dragpak's suggestion is the usual first stop, before you start changing fuel pumps and rods, check the obvious. Make sure there are no restrictions ANYWHERE along the fuel line, from tank to carb. Having gone through this last year, it can get pretty frustrating. We changed the pump, rod, part of the fuel line and no joy. Finally looked at the fuel filter and the inlet hole was being partially blocked by the threads (Mr Gasket type glass filter). Turned the ends a little and the problem went away. Not saying that's your problem, just saying it will be the last place you look
.Yes, I've seen both fuel pump push rods and cam lobes wear, but it's pretty rare, if the engine was broken in properly.
Archer
Mopar Lover
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 11,096
Likes: 955
From: Monrovia SO-CAL (USA)
Good think guys.....
Me personally...
I would get a 5 gallon gas can with known good fuel.... Run a hose from the pump to the gas can. and see if that makes a difference?
At that point I would check the fuel flow and pressure at the carb. and see if that made a difference?
If all was not making any difference. I would start looking for a vacuum leak / Ignition issue / Trash in the carb / Or if it has adjustable rockers that the valves are to tight.
Welcome to the site.... Keep Chipping you will find the problem...
Me personally...
I would get a 5 gallon gas can with known good fuel.... Run a hose from the pump to the gas can. and see if that makes a difference?
At that point I would check the fuel flow and pressure at the carb. and see if that made a difference?
If all was not making any difference. I would start looking for a vacuum leak / Ignition issue / Trash in the carb / Or if it has adjustable rockers that the valves are to tight.
Welcome to the site.... Keep Chipping you will find the problem...
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