My 79 Continental dies while going down the road but will idle just fine

Asked by GreyGhost1488 May 05, 2014 at 09:39 AM about the 1979 Lincoln Continental

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

Have spark, have fuel to the filter and
through it, but none in the carburetor
after it quits. Will restart after a few
minutes, only to choke and die again
1/2 mile later. Have done a rebuild kit
on carb 3k miles ago, and the fuel
pump is less than 6 weeks old. Couple
that with a fresh full tune-up (plugs,
wires, cap, rotor) and I'm at a loss.  
Maybe sucking the tank to pump line
flat????

2 Answers
45

Frank_Riccardi answered 9 years ago

This is gonna sound weird but check you catalytic converter. If it's plugged or falling appart it might give you the same symptons.

Mark helpful
2,355

Mike answered 9 years ago

Your Lincoln has 2 cats, and yes, they may be the culprits. My other suggestion is a defective needle valve or possibly a waterlogged or punctured float. Normally the float is not part of the rebuild kit, and it is has a small hole in it, the float can sink, shutting down the fuel supply. If the hole is in the wrong (right) place on the float, it will drain enough out to lift some and allow the car to idle, but there will not be enough fuel in the bowl to power the car when driving. That is probably where the issue is.

1 people found this helpful.
Best Answer Mark helpful

Your Answer:

Related Questions

  • My 79 Continental dies while going down the road but will idle just fine 2 Answers

    Have spark, have fuel to the filter and through it, but none in the carburetor after it quits. Will restart after a few minutes, only to choke and die again 1/2 mile later. Have done a rebuild kit...

    1979 Lincoln Continental

    -

    Maintenance & Repair

  • 2000 Lincoln Continental, parked it and it was fine, the next day the back went all the way down, compressor works but doesn't rise 1 Answer

    2000 Lincoln Continental, parked it last night and everything was alright, but the next day in the morning the rear part of the car went all the way down on both sides, the air compressor works but ...

    2000 Lincoln Continental FWD

    -

    Maintenance & Repair

  • '79 continental 1 Answer

    This car has a plastic gauge panel behind the faux wood panels. It's not even good plastic. Is there a replacement or a recommended fix. I got my own ideas. Thought I'd ask the pros first.

    1979 Lincoln Continental

    -

    Maintenance & Repair

  • the rear suspension on my 1997 lincoln continental is down 18 Answers

    i replaced all of the parts concerning air suspension even the shocks the rear end is still down. I even replaced a door jamb switch and a speed sensor i need help

    1997 Lincoln Continental

    -

    Maintenance & Repair

  • 79 Continental wonts start 8 Answers

    I need help. I have a 79 Mark V Bill Blass. She has been starting easily for some time, but yesterday she wouldn't even turn over. When I turn the key, there is no power inside the car and no clicking...

    1979 Lincoln Continental

    -

    Maintenance & Repair

Shortcuts

Search Lincoln Continental Questions

CarGurus Experts

  • #1
    Gene Arnett
    Reputation
    750
  • #2
    Paul
    Reputation
    480
  • #3
    Bob Beaman
    Reputation
    360
View All

Find great deals from top-rated dealers

Search

Related Models For Sale

Used Lincoln Town Car
3 listings
Used Ford Mustang
37 Great Deals out of 1,639 listings starting at $8,800
Used Chevrolet Corvette
31 Great Deals out of 738 listings starting at $10,989
Used Chrysler 300
26 Great Deals out of 539 listings starting at $6,898
Used Ford F-150
314 Great Deals out of 13,742 listings starting at $3,800

Content submitted by Users is not endorsed by CarGurus, does not express the opinions of CarGurus, and should not be considered reviewed, screened, or approved by CarGurus. Please refer to CarGurus Terms of Use. Content will be removed if CarGurus becomes aware that it violates our policies.