64 Riv 425 w/ dual 4's won't run

sparkmanttx · July 12th, 2008

I have a 64 Riv 425 w/ dual 4's that has been running great and all of a sudden it has developed a problem. It will start and run just fine for a few miles and then it will quit and acts like it isn't getting gas. We checked the fuel pump pressure and it is approx 9 PSI. Put on a new fuel filter with no improvement. When it dies it won't start at all. Just cranks and feels like there is no gas. After sitting overnight it will start right up but won't stay running. I have let it sit and idle and it runs just fine. Any suggestions.

imported_JohnD1956 · July 12th, 2008

If the milage is between 90 and 110K, AND the timing chain and gears are original, then this is where I'd start. The parts are usually available and rather cheap. Good luck.

simplyconnected · July 12th, 2008

Is the fuel tank and pickup original? If it acts like it is starved for gas, it probably is. My '55 did the same, ran just fine until the pickup got clogged, then nothing. When the remaining gas back-washed the pickup screen, it would clear until next time.

After dropping the tank, I cut a hole and pulled out five handfulls of rust. The new tank (with new pickup and screen) seemed expensive at the time. Now I realize how IN-expensive the new tank really was.

Timing sets don't heal themselves. When they jump a tooth, it's off forever.

If your spark is wrong, you will usually smell plenty of raw gas. The absence of that smell will usually tell you that fuel isn't being delivered to the carbs. Use all your senses. Pour a little gas in the carb, and see if it starts, even if it rus momentarily. If it does, start at the filter, fuel pump, and work towards the tank. Dual quads like lots of fuel, so make sure you have lots of flow.
Hope this helps. - Dave

imported_JohnD1956 · July 12th, 2008

Lots of good advice. I would add that I personally have never seen a timing chain jump a tooth on a Buick. I've seen them stretched so that the car would start cold but die as soon as it warms up. This would be in a few minutes time of running. I would also add that on every single Buick I've owned, and this is around 7 cars, I had to change the timing chain and gear set at the milage I indicated above, with the exception of my 56, which has metal gears from the factory. Even so, I did change those at 120K or so.

Still I agree with you Dave. When it dies, dump a bit of gas down the carb and see if it fires up. If it does, its probably not timing chain related.

simplyconnected · July 13th, 2008

John De Fiore, changing the timing chain is a very wise suggestion for an older engine. GM has had rather odd standards regarding their timing chains. In the early '60's all the gear sets were metal. When Pontiac had a '61 4-banger Tempest, it came with a heavier chain than the 389's. (All the racing guys used that one.) Then in the '70's, GM molded nylon teeth over aluminum for the cam gear. My dad's gear came apart, causing thousands of dollars in repairs because the pistons tried closing the valves with little success.

Today, I use ONLY steel timing gears and a good roller chain. It's cheap insurance and the engine runs so much 'tighter' for a lot longer.

The Old Guy · July 13th, 2008

I have run into this before, and usually it is the filter in the tank that is the culprit.

simplyconnected · July 13th, 2008

Originally Posted By: The Old Guy

...usually it is the filter in the tank that is the culprit.

I totally agree, because it gets loaded with rust and debris.

rlbleeker · July 14th, 2008

When it dies, take the air cleaner off, look straight down the carb and open the throttle. You should see jets to fuel spraying from the throttle pump. If you don't it's fuel supply.

Jim_Cannon · July 15th, 2008

Originally Posted By: sparkmanttx

I have a 64 Riv 425 w/ dual 4's that has been running great and all of a sudden it has developed a problem. It will start and run just fine for a few miles and then it will quit and acts like it isn't getting gas. We checked the fuel pump pressure and it is approx 9 PSI. Put on a new fuel filter with no improvement. When it dies it won't start at all. Just cranks and feels like there is no gas. After sitting overnight it will start right up but won't stay running. I have let it sit and idle and it runs just fine. Any suggestions.

Are you still running stock points ignition?

brh · July 15th, 2008

I'd go the route of a little gas down the carb, but above all while playing around with a fuel problem don't forget your fire extinguisher!!