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1971 Pontiac Firebird over heating

Tiny
TOMMYDORROUGH
  • MEMBER
  • 1971 PONTIAC FIREBIRD
  • 5.7L
  • V8
  • RWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 150,000 MILES
1970 Firebird with a 1971 Pontiac 350. Car overheats and shuts off. It does this after idling for approx 20 minutes. After about 75 - 90 minutes it will start right up again. All hoses feel correct, radiator is cool to the touch, coolant appears to be circulating freely, AND there is never any steam or smoke. This all led me to believe it might be an electrical issue. Last week I had the alternator and the ignition coil replaced (spent $500!), But the problem still exists. Sticking thermostat crossed my mind but past experience tells me that would be an obvious overheat, i.E. Steam, smoke, etc. Any ideas? Would LOVE to start spending on brakes, susp, interior and paint, but no point until this issue is corrected! HELP!
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Tuesday, June 17th, 2014 AT 11:30 AM

4 Replies

Tiny
HMAC300
  • MECHANIC
  • 48,601 POSTS
What kind of dist is it? Is it electronic or points. Check point dwell should be 30 degrees. If it's electronic check pickup coil for resistance shold be 650-900 ohms. Also some of those would break the wires to the pickup coil. Inside and then restart later. If point type system it mayb e a ground in dist bad points or a condenser. And or grounded points.
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Tuesday, June 17th, 2014 AT 12:18 PM
Tiny
HMAC300
  • MECHANIC
  • 48,601 POSTS
Btw tis may also be a carb problem if carb h as never been updated for today's fuel. Also if a Rochester 4 barrel they h ave a few problems as well.
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Tuesday, June 17th, 2014 AT 12:19 PM
Tiny
TOMMYDORROUGH
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
The distributor was converted to HEI at some point in the past by a previous owner (i've had the car only since October). Also, the carburetor is in fact a Rochester, but a 2-barrel, and I have no idea how old it is. I guess I just need to take the car to someone who can properly check the carburetor, and the ohms on the pickup coil. Thanks.
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Wednesday, June 18th, 2014 AT 8:56 AM
Tiny
HMAC300
  • MECHANIC
  • 48,601 POSTS
It's probably the carb as the alcohol in todays fuel has caused some problems with it. It will need an overhaul more than likely an da good cleanup. Also the choke and other things will need to be checked as well. I'd fix it if you were near here
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Wednesday, June 18th, 2014 AT 12:31 PM

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