Thread: my engine just cut out what do i do

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here's the situation i have a chev 327 mounted in my ride and... i just replaced the inlet manifold gaskets. then i started her up set the timing again. let her idle for a while like 5 min to make sure all was OK then the engine just up and cut out like i had turned off the ignition.... so I pumped the carb once or twice saw the carb pump worked cranked it over it fired ran a few revs and died again... and that's where I'm at ...cant get it to idle or run... but if i pump the gas pedal it fires and runs a few revs... i need some help here i am supposed to go for a ride with some friends this week end and right now I'm kind of in a hurry and i know i gotta just be calm and take my time...

Sounds like when you took your intake off either the carb float got out of wack or some dirt got into your carb. Take the filter out and see what it looks like. Can't be your fuel pump as your getting gas when you pump the excellerator. Just sounds like you carb bowl is running out of gas.

I agree with chevy37; Thats exactly what I was going to say. Kurt

Definitely sounds like fuel delivery. Residual pressure slowly fills the float bowl when you shut down, allowing you to see the squirt when pumping the gas however; under load the fuel is not keeping up. Several things to try:

Remove the coil wire so the engine can’t fire. Disconnect the fuel line at the inlet to the carb place a can under the line. Have a friend give the starter a short crank to clean any debris out of the line.

You didn’t say what type carb you’ve got. If you have a filter at the carb, check it out and make sure there is no blockage.

Did you take the carb off the manifold? If so – there may be a possibility (as stated above) that float(s) are hung or sticking. To check them, you’ll need to open the top of the carb and check the float through its entire range to make sure it is not sticking. Also check the float valve and seat and screen – if you have an Edelbrock, see assembly 27 below. Other carbs will be similar.

Good Luck,
Glenn

p.s. - don't forget to hook the coil back up!