The Ford Barn

Honness · 08-13-2022, 12:26 PM

Driving my 1937 it will buck and hesitate. I let up on the accelerator for a few seconds and then it straightens out. Sometimes I push on the accelerator and it bucks slightly then straighten out. I will push the accelerator all the way down when going up a hill and it doesn’t do it so bad. I will drive the car about 4-5 miles and it will do it 3 to 5 times. Any ideas? Thank you. David

drolston · 08-13-2022, 02:46 PM

There are a couple dozen possibilities. Start with the cheap and simple stuff.
1) Be sure the coil and spark plug cables are in sound condition (not cracked or peeling) and absolutely positively firmly and correctly seated in the coil and distributor cap, and to the plugs.

2) If that does not help, check the spark from any plug wire to ground at idle. It should jump half an inch with a bluish spark. If gold-ish and weak, (a) replace the condenser; if not fixed, (b) try a different coil; if not fixed, (c) clean and gap the points in the distributor if not fixed, check back for further advice.

joe 1950 · 08-13-2022, 06:49 PM

could be something very simple as bad spark plugs for the price of them i think it’s the cheapest to start with i’ve always used champion H 10 but there’s a lot of other choices

Ggmac · 08-13-2022, 07:04 PM

Check the timing . Use a vacuum gauge and take a ride with it .it should have a steady 17-20 in vac at idle . Does it happen cold ?

Ken/Alabama · 08-13-2022, 07:25 PM

I’d start with a distributor rebuild and set up on a distributor machine with a rebuilt coil. Then new plug wires and plugs. That eliminates the ignition system. After that it’s gotta be fuel.

ford38v8 · 08-13-2022, 10:56 PM

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I'm going with fuel system issues. Top of that list is carburetor starving. Check the condition of the fuel flex line from firewall to fuel pump. Modern fuel deteriorates and collapses the inner wall of the flex line, choking off delivery. Check your fuel filter if you have one, may be full of debris. While you're at it, check tightness of all fuel line fittings. Check your gas cap, should be vented. Check your fuel pump, may need rebuild or replacement. Last but certainly not least, check your carburetor float level.

CaliforniaBorn36 · 08-14-2022, 09:46 AM

As follow on to ford38v8, check the screw that hold the body of the fuel pump together. Mine have a tendency to come loose, which causes air to get into the system. A quick tightening and the problem is resolved.

So, check for any leaks within the fuel system, tighten everything.

Also, when it starts, have you tried pulling out the choke a bit to richen things up?

08-13-2022, 12:26 PM	#1
Honness Junior Member Join Date: Oct 2020 Location: Roanoke, Va Posts: 5	1937 hesitation and bucking Driving my 1937 it will buck and hesitate. I let up on the accelerator for a few seconds and then it straightens out. Sometimes I push on the accelerator and it bucks slightly then straighten out. I will push the accelerator all the way down when going up a hill and it doesn’t do it so bad. I will drive the car about 4-5 miles and it will do it 3 to 5 times. Any ideas? Thank you. David

08-13-2022, 02:46 PM	#2
drolston Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: Williamsburg, VA Posts: 1,627	Re: 1937 hesitation and bucking There are a couple dozen possibilities. Start with the cheap and simple stuff. 1) Be sure the coil and spark plug cables are in sound condition (not cracked or peeling) and absolutely positively firmly and correctly seated in the coil and distributor cap, and to the plugs. 2) If that does not help, check the spark from any plug wire to ground at idle. It should jump half an inch with a bluish spark. If gold-ish and weak, (a) replace the condenser; if not fixed, (b) try a different coil; if not fixed, (c) clean and gap the points in the distributor if not fixed, check back for further advice.

08-13-2022, 06:49 PM	#3
joe 1950 Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: Green Bay Wi Posts: 400	Re: 1937 hesitation and bucking could be something very simple as bad spark plugs for the price of them i think it’s the cheapest to start with i’ve always used champion H 10 but there’s a lot of other choices

08-13-2022, 07:04 PM	#4
Ggmac Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2016 Location: Lake worth Florida Posts: 1,100	Re: 1937 hesitation and bucking Check the timing . Use a vacuum gauge and take a ride with it .it should have a steady 17-20 in vac at idle . Does it happen cold ?

08-13-2022, 07:25 PM	#5
Ken/Alabama Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Alabama Posts: 3,260	Re: 1937 hesitation and bucking I’d start with a distributor rebuild and set up on a distributor machine with a rebuilt coil. Then new plug wires and plugs. That eliminates the ignition system. After that it’s gotta be fuel.

08-13-2022, 10:56 PM	#6
ford38v8 Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: SF Bay Area Posts: 6,645	Re: 1937 hesitation and bucking Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) I'm going with fuel system issues. Top of that list is carburetor starving. Check the condition of the fuel flex line from firewall to fuel pump. Modern fuel deteriorates and collapses the inner wall of the flex line, choking off delivery. Check your fuel filter if you have one, may be full of debris. While you're at it, check tightness of all fuel line fittings. Check your gas cap, should be vented. Check your fuel pump, may need rebuild or replacement. Last but certainly not least, check your carburetor float level. __________________ Alan

08-14-2022, 09:46 AM	#7
CaliforniaBorn36 Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: San Francisco Bay Area Posts: 427	Re: 1937 hesitation and bucking As follow on to ford38v8, check the screw that hold the body of the fuel pump together. Mine have a tendency to come loose, which causes air to get into the system. A quick tightening and the problem is resolved. So, check for any leaks within the fuel system, tighten everything. Also, when it starts, have you tried pulling out the choke a bit to richen things up?