Re: '39 tank/sender/gauge
Posted by HH56 On 2016/11/24 20:28:56
If you no longer have the OD at the trans I doubt that any of the remaining electrical is causing the problem unless a wire is still present and has shorted. If it is the cause, the engine would die immediately when the connection was made instead of what I think you are describing with the word "gutless" as just the engine not having any power and then dying when you try to move the car.
To completely eliminate the electrical possibility look for a 3 terminal (maybe 4 with one terminal grounded) kickdown switch low on the firewall and mounted to a bracket which is at the end of the accelerator pedal. If you find one, verify if there is a wire between the coil terminal which is the terminal that also connects to the distributor and one of the two terminals on the end of the switch closest to the plunger. If there is such a wire disconnect one end and tape it off. That will prevent any chance the switch is actuating and shorting the coil.
You didn't mention if you have looked at or changed the rubber fuel hose. If it is old or original, modern gas or age can do a job on it. I personally had experience in a 54 with the hose collapsing internally and blocking fuel flow when the engine was commanded to go faster than an idle. The symptoms I had then sound a lot like what you are experiencing. A clogged fuel pump screen or an external filter can also cause similar symptoms. The older ceramic filters can look good, allow air to blow thru but can be filled with varnish and restrict the flow of fuel.
Just for grins here is the early and late production 39 OD circuit and notes on the parts which affect the coil.
Attach file:
(138.10 KB)
To completely eliminate the electrical possibility look for a 3 terminal (maybe 4 with one terminal grounded) kickdown switch low on the firewall and mounted to a bracket which is at the end of the accelerator pedal. If you find one, verify if there is a wire between the coil terminal which is the terminal that also connects to the distributor and one of the two terminals on the end of the switch closest to the plunger. If there is such a wire disconnect one end and tape it off. That will prevent any chance the switch is actuating and shorting the coil.
You didn't mention if you have looked at or changed the rubber fuel hose. If it is old or original, modern gas or age can do a job on it. I personally had experience in a 54 with the hose collapsing internally and blocking fuel flow when the engine was commanded to go faster than an idle. The symptoms I had then sound a lot like what you are experiencing. A clogged fuel pump screen or an external filter can also cause similar symptoms. The older ceramic filters can look good, allow air to blow thru but can be filled with varnish and restrict the flow of fuel.
Just for grins here is the early and late production 39 OD circuit and notes on the parts which affect the coil.
Attach file:
(138.10 KB)
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