Engine cuts off/shuts off when turning

docholiday · #1 (**permalink**) 06-09-2006, 09:16 PM

hi all,
Well, i have been seriously contemplating building/purchasing a cobra for at least 8 months. Been a lurker here and at ffcobra.com for a while. 7 days ago i spotted the one i now own - not 2 miles from my home. An FFR built by an individual last year.
Anyway, that's another story...
I have an important issue with the car already - when I make a left turn, more like a u-turn at a moderate speed, the engine will cut out or cut off entirely. It has happened twice. The first time i was turning around(left) in a cul-de-sac and the engine almost cut off, but i thought maybe i was "hearing" things...the second time, i was making a u-turn(left) and by the time i was 180 degrees around, the engine had cut off. Luckily i was parking on the street anyway, but i would like to have turned of the engine in a more timely manner.
Has anyone heard or experienced this?
Much thanks in advance!
-doc

LMH · #2 (**permalink**) 06-09-2006, 09:29 PM

Check the float level in the carb. ( I'm assuming it's not fuel injected)
Larry

docholiday · #3 (**permalink**) 06-10-2006, 05:39 AM

thanks for the reply
after a quick bit of research, it looks like a special gauge is needed but apparently not required for checking/adjusting the float level...
is this something autozone or a similar store would have available?

I have an edelbrock carb, 800cfm thunderseries w/electric choke...

this link is where i started:
http://www.hillmanimages.com/912/fu_7.html

seems like you can adjust without a gauge, but is that really a good idea?

Tommy · #4 (**permalink**) 06-10-2006, 05:50 AM

I don't know much about Edelbrock carbs, but I do know how to use the search function on Club Cobra. It yielded this thread you may find interesting. Click here.

LMH · #5 (**permalink**) 06-10-2006, 07:34 AM

I'm not a fan of Carter carbs (Edelbrock) and I don't know much about how they set up their floats. Tommy's link may help, I haven't read the whole thing but there are books out there about carb tuning. Might want to check into that.
Then buy a center-hung Holley!

Larry

niles · #6 (**permalink**) 06-10-2006, 11:23 AM

Doc;
Before you kill the patient(carb); more diagnosis is needed.
Does it only die on lefts?
Does is die(totally) or sputter or give flooded(rough running) symtoms then dies?
If it is a hard die(like turned off ignition) does it always immediately restart with the wheels turned hard left?
Bottom line; analyzing the symtoms more throughly will lead you to carb or an electrical short that is shutting down ign with wheels hard over
gn

Scott S · #7 (**permalink**) 06-10-2006, 11:58 PM

I am going to bet that it is a bad ground,

Scott S

docholiday · #8 (**permalink**) 06-11-2006, 07:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by niles

Doc;
Before you kill the patient(carb); more diagnosis is needed.
Does it only die on lefts?
Does is die(totally) or sputter or give flooded(rough running) symtoms then dies?
If it is a hard die(like turned off ignition) does it always immediately restart with the wheels turned hard left?
Bottom line; analyzing the symtoms more throughly will lead you to carb or an electrical short that is shutting down ign with wheels hard over
gn

I have not been able to test a right turn yet, but it definitely sputters and shuts off. Then it takes a few cranks to start back up, after a blip of the throttle.
The wheel position as no effect on restart.
I lowered the floats a tad in the carb (not a simple task - had to take apart the carb to access the floats- so not a "tweak and test" process.)
Still shuts off after a turn.
I think i may look into EFI - this carb thing is a PITA

After reading the manual a little more, it recommends checking the fuel pressure because of the symptoms i am experiencing...so now i'm back to square one. Now i have to find a fuel pressure gauge....

Zoom This · #9 (**permalink**) 06-11-2006, 08:05 PM

Doc...had similar problems with my Holley carb a few years ago. Adjusted floats to correct factory specs and all is cured.

LMH · #10 (**permalink**) 06-11-2006, 10:45 PM

It could be fuel pressure but I would think it would run out of gas during acceleration if it were. Both Summit Racing and Jegs sell house brand fuel pressure gauges if your looking for a guage.
I do think it's a fuel problem of some kind though.
I'll keep thinking.
Larry

Excaliber · #11 (**permalink**) 06-11-2006, 11:05 PM

If it was a Holley I'd say almost for sure it's float level related (certainly fuel related I suspect). But an Edelbrock? Hmmm, got me there!

It seems Holleys are notorius for needing yet 'another' adjustment on the float level. Thats why they made it so easy to adjust, 'cause they NEEDED to!

But most other carbs float level adjustment is more of a 'set it and forget it' type of thing. If anything the symptoms sound like your 'running out of gas' (that is float level to low).