"Overheating" --> Now Fuel Delivery Issue --> Dirty Tank?

[Bruce Wingate]

New or worsening problem with my '84 K10 (350 SBC) that I would describe as overheating, but I don't think that it is: After 20 minutes of local around town cruising or shortly after getting off the highway and hitting the local roads, the truck sputters, dies and won't restart. The glass fuel filter under the hood is empty. If I let it cool down for 45 minutes to an hour, it will restart and run fine - I usually head home when this happens, so I assume it will recur, but don't know for sure.

Flushed and changed the antifreeze and confirmed that it was flowing and the thermostat (unknown temperature) opens; the engine leaks A LOT of oil but not on the ground (an engine swap is planned but I am hoping to put it off for a year); oil was recently changed. Water pump is a Holley front mount system and relatively new (~3 years)

I don't know the engine temp - will hook up a guage this weekend and also check with an infrared thermometer.

Any suggestions on where to start looking? My only thought is that the fuel pump rod is somehow worn out put thats a total WAG.

Thanks,
Bruce.

 

[mibars]

Looks like a fuel delivery problem, not overheating.

 

[Ricko1966]

Are you running the factory 3 port fuel pump?

 

[legopnuematic]

Single or dual tank truck?

 

[squaredeal91]

Very well could be your fuel hoses sucking air. It's common but not the easiest to find.

 

[TotalyHucked]

Yeah, we need some more info. Single or dual tank truck, what pump you're running, do you still have the stock metal line from the pump to the carb, what carb are you running, etc.

Also, GET RID OF THAT GLASS FUEL FILTER. Seen too many rigs on fire because of those

 

[fast 99]

Check fuel pressure AND volume.

 

[Rustisbest]

Vapor lock. Hoses/lines too close to exhaust. Or running a pump without the return might do it.

 

[SquareRoot]

LS Swap

 

[idahovette]

^^^^^^WOW been awhile, Mike!!!^^^^^^^

 

[SquareRoot]

^^^^^^WOW been awhile, Mike!!!^^^^^^^

Been dealing with the axle issue...

 

[squaredeal91]

^^^^^^WOW been awhile, Mike!!!^^^^^^^

Been dealing with the axle issue...

I love this place hahaha. It's a good vent

 

[GTX63]

After 20 minutes of local around town cruising or shortly after getting off the highway and hitting the local roads, the truck sputters, dies and won't restart. The glass fuel filter under the hood is empty. If I let it cool down for 45 minutes to an hour, it will restart and run fine - I usually head home when this happens, so I assume it will recur, but don't know for sure.

For the motor to overheat to the point of stalling the motor, you would smell it, hear it and see evidence of overheating.
If the fuel filter is empty immediately after the truck stalls, there is a restriction due to debris, leaks, collapsed line or vapor lock.

 

[squaredeal91]

New or worsening problem with my '84 K10 (350 SBC) that I would describe as overheating, but I don't think that it is: After 20 minutes of local around town cruising or shortly after getting off the highway and hitting the local roads, the truck sputters, dies and won't restart. The glass fuel filter under the hood is empty. If I let it cool down for 45 minutes to an hour, it will restart and run fine - I usually head home when this happens, so I assume it will recur, but don't know for sure.

Flushed and changed the antifreeze and confirmed that it was flowing and the thermostat (unknown temperature) opens; the engine leaks A LOT of oil but not on the ground (an engine swap is planned but I am hoping to put it off for a year); oil was recently changed. Water pump is a Holley front mount system and relatively new (~3 years)

I don't know the engine temp - will hook up a guage this weekend and also check with an infrared thermometer.

Any suggestions on where to start looking? My only thought is that the fuel pump rod is somehow worn out put thats a total WAG.

Thanks,
Bruce.

Kinda sounds like fuel delivery. Maybe bad hose sucking air intermittent maybe. Does your oil smell like fuel? Might be a bad fuel pump diaphragm?
Or could be a symptom of a failing ignition component.

 

[fast 99]

Vapor lock more times than not is caused by low fuel pressure.

Think of it like a pressure cooker. Boiling point increases with pressure. Today's fuel is not designed for carbs, exacerbating any low fuel pressure issues.