my '76 pinto has run fine untill a few days ago. i was driving on the freeway and it started jerking and wouldnt accelerate. i pumped the gas a few times, and it started going again. but it kept happening, and eventually my engine and alt lights came on and my car stopped altogether. i pulled it over, turned it off and after a few minutes it started up again, and ran fine for about another 15 minutes, then the same thing happened.
now it happens if i drive it for over a half hour, usually ending in it not starting up at all.
i've replaced the air filter, fuel filter, and fuel gauge - but it seems to have made no difference.
please someone tell me whats happening to my baby! :'( :'(
If your Pinto has a catalytic converter, it might be plugged. Im not sure though.
Otherwise Id say fuel filter. Youve replaced that already.
Maybe vapor lock? ???
I'm not too sure if this'll help since I don't know much about these cars, but what about your ignition coil? Sounds like it might be overheating and causing the car to lose power and die.
As stated, I don't know much about these cars, as it's been years since I've been around one, but on a few other cars I've owned if the igniton coil started to go bad it would cause similar symptoms to what you're describing...
Hope this helps ya out, or atleast give you any ideas on what else to check.
Sounds like the ignition module is bad.
I'm with Bill (WVBobcat). Sounds very much like an ignition module.
If you've noticed your fuel economy has drastically gotten worse, that would be another indication.
I'm with both of ya on that.... not knowing these cars, I was unaware they had ignition modules on them. With that in mind that could very well be the problem.
Good luck.
could very well be vapor lock.
I agree with r4pinto about the coil. Once it gets hot, it could be shorting out internally.
Could also be the module.
Rather unlikely, but it could also be the gas tank isn't able to breathe and is creating a vacuum as the gas gets consumed.
Duh
I forgot all about the module.
I hope my wagon runs good from the start. :-\
I've been looking through a '76 - '80 manual.
Not knowing the engine or emissions setup, it's hard to diagnose anything. As evident by the variations in responses, it could be a number of things.
Your best bet is to get it into a mechanic who can pinpoint your problem. At any rate, it doesn't appear to be a major repair. Something is clogged, leaking, offset, or worn. It doesn't sound like you'll have to go too deep into the engine, though.
You may also have water in the fuel.
I'm willing to best most anything it's the ignition box. I had a V6 wagon that acted like that. Took one off my SW parts car and fixed it.
My '74 did the same thing... I replaced the fuel filter, coil & module. It wound up being the pickup screen in the tank. I was able to use a piece of COTTON sheet and a coat hanger to build a new one. the pickup tube as absolutely full of rust as well.