Engine stalling problem - SOLVED!

[GT-3_InTheHills]

My 1963 Series III recently had a complete engine rebuild.
It needed only the twin Carbs tuned and the timing adjusted, or so I thought.

The car is an older restoration from a previous owner which had been kept very much to original spec with points & condenser, rebuilt dual zenith carbs, and a newly restored mechanical fuel pump. After everything was re-assembled and the engine roared back to life, the time finally arrived to take it out for a few road tests. It appeared that every time I would get the motor warmed up, it would lose power and sputter to a stop. This was an ongoing issue that was driving me mad!

Being more of an enthusiast than a professional mechanic, I researched what I could and initially determined this mysterious issue must be due to Vapour Lock!. In my self-declared problem-solving brilliance, I was convinced the fuel must be vaporizing in the lines, creating back pressure in the fuel pump and subsequently starving the carburetors of fuel!

Then, just by chance, I caught sight of the cheap little transparent in-line fuel filter that was installed by the previous owner just ahead of the mechanical fuel pump. It looked a wee bit discolored. Upon replacing it, I realized it was caked with reddish-brown sludge!

Finally - problem SOLVED!
(RUSTY FUEL TANKS)

(Attached are the pictures of the surprise I found inside the dual fuel tanks and cross-over pipes!)
Both tanks & pipes are currently being professionally reconditioned.
Has anyone ever seen anything like this before?

 

[GT-3_InTheHills]

I received my NEW fuel tank sending unit!
I'm shocked to see this replacement unit has an exposed electrical wire!
Q- Does passing a current through a device that sits inside the top of a fuel tank not pose a HUGE safety hazard?
(The old unit is sealed with no exposed wires to be seen).

The new one is of course stamped "made in the UK" as expected, however. . . . I'm just a bit concerned whether I need to worry about the infamous British sense of humor if I install this thing?

 

[puff4]

If I recall correctly, the wire going to the tank sending unit is a grounding wire, not a power wire. Essentially, the sending unit sends back a varying ground level, which is then reflected in the gauge.

As for the tanks, yes, rusty tanks - as well as delaminating tanks - are common in Sunbeams (and a whole lot of other cars!). Good you found the source.

 

[DanR]

(RUSTY FUEL TANKS)

(Attached are the pictures of the surprise I found inside the dual fuel tanks and cross-over pipes!)
Both tanks & pipes are currently being professionally reconditioned.
Has anyone ever seen anything like this before?

View attachment 23792 View attachment 23793 View attachment 23794

Typical of fuel tanks in an Alpine that has been stored for a long time.

 

[PROCRAFT]

Typical of fuel tanks in an Alpine that has been stored for a long time.

Another good reason why I used a Mustang tank

 

[Bill Blue]

My tanks had only a slight rust problem, but a HUGE problem with the coating peeling. End result is the same.

Bill

 

[GT-3_InTheHills]

If I recall correctly, the wire going to the tank sending unit is a grounding wire, not a power wire. Essentially, the sending unit sends back a varying ground level, which is then reflected in the gauge.

As for the tanks, yes, rusty tanks - as well as delaminating tanks - are common in Sunbeams (and a whole lot of other cars!). Good you found the source.

I'm very relieved to hear this exposed wire on the new sending unit is likely a ground. When it comes to electrical connections, I'm a bit of an amateur and cautiously hesitant after once losing my Saab 900SE turbo to an electrical fire (while driving). Personally experiencing a KABOOM, leaves one with a lasting impression.

 

[Wiz]

How does one go about installing a mustang gas tank?

 

[GT-3_InTheHills]

How does one go about installing a mustang gas tank?

I also looked into attempting a re-fit of a different style fuel tank but for my solution & engineering skill level, it was far less complicated to simply have my existing tanks reconditioned. Any professional radiator shop typically offers this service.
In Quebec, I would suggest inquiring with https://www.514muffler.com/en/radiator-and-petrol-tank/

 

[GT-3_InTheHills]

Removing the old tanks is a fairly simple process. A bit time-consuming, but not rocket science.
Having never done anything like this before by myself, I had no idea if my tanks were even capable of being saved because they were in really BAD condition. To my surprise and sheer delight, I just picked up my tanks and they look almost like new!
Sandblasted, welded, and freshly coated inside and out.

 

[Shannon Boal]

The "Kaboom" thing surely would stay with you! Most modern cars, run a brush-type electric motor integral with a vane-type fuel pump, submerged in gasoline. Why this works is a puzzle to me.....