model A with a stromberg 97 stalls at highway speeds
 

Hi guys, Struggling with a problem on my model A. I have a new Stromberg 97 on my model A ford. When I drive at 50 mph or above it stalls like it's running out of gas. If I pull to the shoulder , reduce speed it's like the fuel pump catches up and I can continue driving. This problem is very consistent. I have set timing, changed points, condenser, coil, cleaned and checked grounds. For fuel I have checked float level, cleaned the inlet valve, checked fuel pressure, rerouted fuel line to be sure of no vapor lock. Originally I had a Carter 6 volt vane pump and that would vapor lock when the car sat too long otherwise car ran good. Changed it to a Carter electric diaphragm pump and that worked good for a while until this problem popped up. Any ideas?? Also wondering what fuel pumps you are using on down draft set ups?

Re: model A with a stromberg 97 stalls at highway speeds
 

When my Carter fuel pump gave out, I ordered a new one. In the meantime while waiting for the new one to arrive, I went to O'Riley's and just bought whatever they had on the shelf. Installed that one and 2 years later (about 4,000 miles) it's still pumping good. New Carter pump is still on the shelf.

Re: model A with a stromberg 97 stalls at highway speeds
 

Re: model A with a stromberg 97 stalls at highway speeds
 

If the issue occurs above half throttle check and clean the power valve.the power valve enrichens once you exceed acceleratop pump stroke

Re: model A with a stromberg 97 stalls at highway speeds
 

I had the same problem, and it was the diaphragm pump. I went back to the vane pump and my problems went away. Both were Carter pumps sold by NAPA.

Re: model A with a stromberg 97 stalls at highway speeds
 

MikeK Fuel pump is mounted on the inside of the frame rail. I did check for flow after the pump and it was very good. Gas cap vent is working. I do have a stock glass sediment bowl with a filter in it. How would this create vapor lock?

Re: model A with a stromberg 97 stalls at highway speeds
 

Midgetracer I think that is my next step, to replace the diaphragm pump with the vane pump and see if the problem goes away. If I remember correctly my Carter vane pump had a pretty high flow rate. I called Carter when I figured out the vane pump was vapor locking and they told me to run a return line into the tank. I told them it was a model A and he told me to tap into the gas cap with the return line. What??!!

Re: model A with a stromberg 97 stalls at highway speeds
 

If your pump feeds fuel at a faster rate than gravity flow to it then a slight negative pressure is produced in the tank feed line. That is why I said check for full flow at the pump inlet, not it's output.

While driving at speed there is considerable under hood heat, both in the air through the radiator and radiant, from the exhaust to the fuel line and sediment bowl. Modern gas contains a great deal of light fractions and is not designed for systems without submerged pressure pumps and all highly (25-75 psi) pressurized feed lines.

With modern gas any slight negativity in the tank feed, through elbows, valves, sediment bowls, filters, rough spots, etc. provide nucleation points for vaporization in the line when that line is warmer than the fuel itself.

Of course, your problem may be something completely different as suggested above, but I just wanted to make sure as many bases as possible were covered in your persuit for a fix! When you do find the fix, please post! Inquiring minds want to know!

Re: model A with a stromberg 97 stalls at highway speeds
 

MikeK
Thanks for the explanation. I have read this about modern fuels before, your explanation makes sense to me. I will let everyone know what I find.

Re: model A with a stromberg 97 stalls at highway speeds
 

Had issues too,I removed my pump from the 97, one less thing to break down, car will still do up to 60mph no problem.