Car lags on hot days

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Bri guy

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May 18, 2018
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Today is around the 90s and clear skies and a baking sun. Noticed the car will stumble while idle or reverse. Would die if I didn't use 2 feet for these situations. Cruising in motion seems fine until i put the pedal down then it hesitates before kicking down. Car temp was around 220. On a day with 80s or less, the car temp is around 180 to 200F. What does this "stumble on hot days" mean? I need a better fan or radiator? Or is the gas getting to hot in the carb? Or I need a bigger mechanical fuel pump or Carb to make sure I'm getting all the gas I need?
 

83StreetMachine

Master Mechanic
Dec 16, 2011
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Central NJ
Probably vapor lock. The fuel.is getting so hot in the engine compartment or in the carb that it's boiling.

Do you have a carb spacer?
 
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Oct 14, 2008
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Melville,Saskatchewan
You may need both a bigger rad and a larger fan. Is the hot temps at idle, then probably the fan. You want a 2 core rad with 1" or larger tubes. The stock 5 blade 307 clutch fan isn't large enough. Foxtrot on here used the GM 4 blade solid fan and spacer and dropped a noticeable amount. Either that or get a 7 blade clutch fan and make sure you have a shroud. Good dual electric fans that draw 40+ amps on startup also work, I have the Dodge Stratus fans on my 88 Cutlass.
 

Bri guy

G-Body Guru
May 18, 2018
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You may need both a bigger rad and a larger fan. Is the hot temps at idle, then probably the fan. You want a 2 core rad with 1" or larger tubes. The stock 5 blade 307 clutch fan isn't large enough. Foxtrot on here used the GM 4 blade solid fan and spacer and dropped a noticeable amount. Either that or get a 7 blade clutch fan and make sure you have a shroud. Good dual electric fans that draw 40+ amps on startup also work, I have the Dodge Stratus fans on my 88 Cutlass.
Ya, on days like this (90s) it goes to 220 when idling and acts like it wants to die.
 
Oct 14, 2008
8,826
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Melville,Saskatchewan
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Bri guy

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May 18, 2018
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Here's the current fan. Measured 17inches. Plus has 2 broken blades....shouldve replaced that when I first bought the car. Think I will order the fan and hope it fits
 

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Bri guy

G-Body Guru
May 18, 2018
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That was easy to pull off. Noe just have to wait for the new one
 

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83StreetMachine

Master Mechanic
Dec 16, 2011
395
819
93
Central NJ
I'm glad you got rid of the flex fan. They are garbage and as that one shows they break apart and send shrapnel everywhere.

A good stock clutch fan would work great or go electric. NO MORE FLEX FANS!!!

You need a fan shroud as well.

Put a carb spacer under that Edelbrock. Preferably wood but phenolic will work as well.
 
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