Stalling when idling

RXP

New user
Hi there.

I have a small block 77 Auto. Touch wood, I haven't had any major issues since taking ownership about 10 y.a. The car is regularly serviced and MOT'd. I tend to run the car only in the Summer and in the Winter is kept garaged.

Here is my problem: Often, usually at traffic lights, when going to move off and into gear from idle the engine will cut out and stall completely. Usually I will be sat in Neutral, and thrusting into 1. The engine dies silently, but usually after a little flustering I'm able to turn her over again.

Does anyone have any thoughts as to what might be the cause of this?

The only other thing I can think to mention, which may be related, but I had just put down to the age of the car is turning the engine over from cold. Usually when I do this, I have to rev the accelerator quite a bit and sit with foot on the gas for a couple of minutes before she settles into a nice idle.

Any thoughts appreciated.

Thanks
 
N

Norm

Guest
Had something similar on my '75. I have the 3 speed Hydromatic, I replaced the Rochester carb with a newly rebuilt, problem solved. Of course, it takes one that knows how to setup and tune that carb. Maybe try a carb rebuild kit.
 

gavinfdavies

Well-known user
I had a similar sounding problem in my 1995 V6 Mustang. Engine would slowly cough splutter and die after a minute or so of sitting in stationary traffic, lights, etc, but only when full warm. I also noticed that my brake servo took about 5-10 seconds to refill with vacuum (or empty of air I should say).

Turned out that the intake manifold gaskets were a little tired, and as the manifold warmed and warped a bit, it would start leaking a little air. Eventually the engine would lean out and die. But on long runs it was fine, so long as I didn't have to queue anywhere!

EDIT: the problem disappeared when the manifold were resealed with a thin smear of sealant as I didn't have a new gasket set handy.
 
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Jimbo64

CCCUK Member
Sounds a bit like the choke is not working/coming on. Is it electric? I've just fitted a brand new Edelbrock with electric choke to my 72, original Rochester had been butchered! One press of throttle with ignition switched on before final turn, gets mine going straight away and then choke takes over thereafter and she settles down quite quickly as she warns up. Could be something simple as some dirt, slight corrosion, causing a sticky cable, contact, flap, given it's winter lay up?
Others may know different ?
 

kentvette

CCCUK Member
Just a couple of questions/thoughts

What is the idle speed set at, both in Park and in Drive?

Do you put it in neutral at every "traffic light stop" for example, not just leave it in D and keep the brake on?

Re the cold start, yes, sounds choke related. If you have a Haynes manual you could have a look at teh set-up?
 
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