Visit our Popular Forums

Jetstreamer · 06-29-2007, 10:02 PM

Hello:

I just bought a 325 with 52,000 miles. When I got close to home the ambient temperature was in the mid 90's. I had a car in tow on an aluminum trailer and experienced some hesitation nearing the crest of a large TN hilltop. Felt like it was fuel vapor lock. Water temp read 180.

Given the slow speed and high manifold condition in this case I thought about trying to install fans triggered by a vacuum pressure switch to evacuate the hot air from the engine box.

Has this been tried with success?

Regards,

Kevin

guy99 · 06-29-2007, 11:24 PM

A few ideas. First I would look into fuel starvation. There should be two fuel pumps and two or more fuel filters. One filter is in the carb, the other will be somewhere along the fuel line. Also, at one time my 310 wouldn't climb hills because of junk in the fuel tank which was interfering with fuel uptake.

Temp gages on these unit should not be relied upon until they have been validated.

If you have a vapor lock problem some heat shielding on the fuel line might be very helpful.

The stock towing capacity of these units is 2000LB. I imagine trailer plus auto was quite a bit more. Suggest you check and/or beef up the hitch if you need to tow much more

Jetstreamer · 06-30-2007, 07:53 AM

Good ideas!

I had planned to wrap the fuel line with some insulation.

We're can I find a photo of the stock hitch?

This rig has set a bunch, so checking the screens and filter is a good idea.

Thanks,

Kevin

Silvertwinkie · 06-30-2007, 07:57 AM

Check with (username) swebster, I seem to recall he had a similar problem with his unit. Steve has basically lived in his drivetrain the past few years. He's now recently moved into the living space of the MoHo, but my guess is that if you see it, he's most likely been there, done that and wrote the book.

HowieE · 06-30-2007, 09:15 AM

The first thing I would do is spray the complete engine with a 1/3 ratio of Simple Green while the engine is warm and then rince with as strong a water pressure as you have.

Even though the temp is reading 180 I would also apply the same procedure to the radiator. You might want to look at my site noted below for my reason.

I agree the most likely problem is fuel starvation but heat is the most common reason for this and a clean area is a lot easier to work in if you have to go further.

bkahler · 06-30-2007, 09:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Studebakerbo

Good ideas!

I had planned to wrap the fuel line with some insulation.

We're can I find a photo of the stock hitch?

This rig has set a bunch, so checking the screens and filter is a good idea.

Thanks,

Kevin

Kevin,

I "borrowed" these pictures from a forum member who had his hitch beefed up. I believe his rig was a 345. I'm following his example to a certain extent and am beefing up mine. I'm going to be doing most of my hitch work this weekend and will post pictures when its complete.

Guy, that was a good idea on the fuel filter. I hadn't even thought of checking ours as I've been so busy trying to get it road worthy for our trip in two weeks.

Brad

Jetstreamer · 06-30-2007, 09:48 AM

You guys are GREAT!

Prior to leaving for home, I had to have a new receiver welded in. I wish I had these photo's then.

My wife Debbie and are have not been able to put out the fires (literally) since we are moving out a a little crashpad apartment today. We will be using the rig to live inside our airplane hanger while we build a house on the lot next door.

On the drive home we had a flood form a frezze leak which soaked the shore power transfer relay causing a localized fire. I plan to install the new transfer switch away from any water source.

I'll give the engine an radiator a good soaking. I have a few new SW water temp gauges to test the stock one.

I may pull the radiator and have it rebuilt since I will be pulling my Studebaker Golden Hawk to a meet in the N Georgia mountains next month.

Looking into a satellite ISP next.

Debbie and I have a little side business with a website that would make for a good introduction to my new friends. It is airlandandseaparts.com

Thanks again.

Kevin

guy99 · 06-30-2007, 10:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bkahler

Kevin,

...

Guy, that was a good idea on the fuel filter. I hadn't even thought of checking ours as I've been so busy trying to get it road worthy for our trip in two weeks.

Brad

Be sure you find all the fuel filters. Often they are hidden in the frame rail somewhere along the fuel line. I'm pretty sure I recall someone finding three filters, one where the fuel line goes into the carb, plus two in-line filters in the fuel line.

Guy

swebster · 07-04-2007, 09:23 AM

Kevin,
Fuel filters. Make sure the one between the tank and the electric pump is new, (make sure you have an electric pump for that matter)...also replace the one on the curbside frame rail (near steps) and the inline filter in the carb itself. What you described sounds like fuel starvation.

Also, a 180 temp sounds is too low towing anything on a grade. Check your gauges and get an independant temp reading of your cooling system with an infared temp gun. I suspect you are running higher than 180.

Lastly, a good tuneup is a good way to ensure that the propert fuel, air, spark are all working as specified and you don't have a lean condition.

philippes · 07-21-2007, 08:44 PM

Hi,

Just had my fuel pump changed on my 1994 36 classic. It is night and day. I can drive uphill on interstate at 75 + mph. You need to check the fuel pressure to know the pump condition.

Good luck,

Philip