Cutting off problems with engine

[easyrider]

I have a 1965 Satellite with a 318 poly engine. Engine has been rebuilt at Christmas last year, trans is new rebuild, carb has been rebuilt. Now, my problem started a couple days ago. Everything going fine, great day cruising in my Plymouth; I turned out of a parking lot on to the main highway and it cut off. No stutter, or flutter, or slow stall, it cut off instantly. No warning, just from running smooth to completely dead. I pushed it into neutral and hit the starter, it turned over 4-5 times and started back up. I drove for 3-4 hours and stopped for a burger and came back out cranked it up, running perfect, turned to pull into traffic and it cut off again. Same routine, put in neutral, cranked over and it started back up and ran perfect the rest of the day. I have replaced the coil, electronic ign is new, new plugs and wires, and carb has been rebuilt, also, I checked if any wires were loose. It didn't act like it was running out of gas with a slow sputter, it just stopped. Instantly!!
You all know that interment problems are hard to figure out. But, I wondered if any of you have had anything like this happen or if you could give me any suggestions as to what to check out. I'm afraid to start out anywhere for fear of not getting back home.Thanks in advance for letting me pick your brain.

 

[bm02tj]

Did you replace all the parts after or before your trouble

 

[terzmo]

I'd look at the power line going through the firewall up to the volt meter and back on to the alternator. The column when turned may be causing some friction along the line or resistence built up in bulk head connector

 

[440roadrunner]

Consult the diagram. "What else" is on the "ignition run" line?

For starters, 'stuff' in the cluster. Pay attention. Does anything in the cluster stop working when the engine quits? You have an oil light? Does it come on? Do the gauges continue to operate? Don't disturb the key if you can help it for a few seconds, to find out. This will tell you if it's "the key" and or inside the car.

As above SUSPECT the bulkhead connector. I would, frankly, simply pull it apart, inspect, clean, if necessary, replace the terminals. you can buy these, known as "Packard 56" terminals, through places like "clips and fasteners."

http://www.clipsandfasteners.com/Packard_56_Series_Male_16_14_Gauge_Terminals_GM_p/w31c030.htm

The other thing you could do is to "rig" a pilot lamp to monitor coil + voltage. If it is still lit when the engine dies, and you have not disturbed anything, then the problem is right there in the ignition, or else the problem is something like fuel.

 

[QQBlue1]

I have had a similar problem with my 318 for most of this year, although it has only happened while driving straight down the road. I have checked the bulkhead connectors, changed the coil and voltage regulator, ballast resistor is relatively new, plugs and wires have been checked and changed. The distributor is an MSD with about 18,000 miles and still looks good and I've checked and double checked all grounds and wiring back to the ignition hub and even changed out the alternator. When the car stumbles or stalls the tach falls and then snaps back unless the car stalls out completely. The fuel pump and filter function properly, I've rebuilt the carb and changed the accelerator pump and metering rod springs. It sometimes feels as if there is a vacuum problem but I have all but ruled that out as well.

I have come to the conclusion that perhaps there is some corrosion under the insulation of the wiring and perhaps that may break continuity on occasion? I put in a replacement dash harness in several years ago, but the front harness is still original. Could it be I simply need to pull it out and put in a new harness and purchase all new clips and fasteners as 440roadrunner suggests? Easyrider, how old is your wiring harness? Do you suspect old wiring is a problem?

 

[62 Dart Convertible]

The other thing you could do is to "rig" a pilot lamp to monitor coil + voltage. If it is still lit when the engine dies, and you have not disturbed anything, then the problem is right there in the ignition, or else the problem is something like fuel.

/\ /\
Great idea.

I have similar problems, but mine are gas related.
Re potential gas problems, sputtering can not only be caused by a lack of fuel, but also an excess of fuel, as in vapors from gas boiling in the bowls. You may be not aware when cruising, but at idle it is so rich it will stall. Though after such an event, it should also be a pig to re-start until things cool... Another carb insulator and heat shield would be something I'd suggest you try if you think this may be your problem.

 

[easyrider]

Did you replace all the parts after or before your trouble

Yes, all the parts were replaced before I started having this problem

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I replaced the dash wiring harness 6 months ago. Everything that seems to be the problem has already been replaced.

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Thanks for the brain storming guys! Weather here has been too bad to take the car out everyday, so as soon as weather clears, I'll give you an update.