My 18R Just won’t keep running

[walter34]

I’ve got an 18R engine, it runs just fine (when it does). I keep it up with oil/filter, points condenser all the standard stuff.
So now the problem I can sometimes start it and it would run for awhile then just stops. I’ve replaced the following parts—the ignition switch, coil, resistor that sits on top of it, new battery, Bosh alternator, the starter just because of so many no starts, fuel filter, fuel pump I took the line from the carburetor off and it pumped fuel just fine, and a new Weber carburetor. When it starts it runs great a solid 900 RPM. The run time (when it does) is about 30 secs to approx 2 to 3 minutes. When it dies it just drops no studder no extra rolls. You look at the tachometer the needle just drops. This model has a starter cancelation switch on it. If I were to push the button on it the relay inside would click like it always has done.

I am so done playing the parts replacer. I just now stand and just look at her thinking what the hecks goin on? I’ve had this thing since High School never had this happen before. The ironic thing is that I was just gonna run down to have it restored at my restoration shop…go figure. Any thoughts?

[stepho]

Is the fuel bowl emptying out?
A maladjusted needle valve or bad float would have the same symptoms.

Is there a strong smell of fuel?

Have you checked the fuel filter in the tank.
It's a little sock over the tank inlet (the pipe going to the pump)
It's hard to get to - you need to remove the inlet pipe from the tank.
Gunk builds up in the tank over years and then clogs the filter.

- Stepho

[walter34]

Thanks stepho for getting back on this. But today just for kicks, I went out and tried it and it did what it always does, dies...twice on me.
Then what the heck one more time and it started and kept running and running and... I kept it on for about two hours or more drove around the block 2, 3 times.
So I thought this was great then hummm what if it were to do its thing again? Id be stuck, so all this is well and good but what if.

I guess I'll just keep it to short trips and now I'll be able to take it to the body shop now anyway.
I do like your thought about the tank being a bit trashy on the bottom. Do the tanks have a drain plug on them? Is there a filter other than the one in the engine compartment?
I'll take a look its pretty much open in the trunk it sits in the back as you know. Thx again

[stepho]

Sounds like the gunk on the in-tank filter has shaken its way loose.

- Stepho