Car just stalls while driving.

[Raycuda]

Recently my 1970 cuda will just stall while driving. If I put it in neutral, turn the key off and then try to restart the car while just coasting, it will start back up. Sometimes all will be good for weeks, then, like this weekend, it stalled 5 times while driving home. Where do I even start to look?

 

[Deathproofcuda]

Does it actually just stall while you are in a steady cruise situation, or is it more like when you let off the gas and the rpms drop, like when coasting to a stop?

Does it happen when the car is fully warmed up, like after 10 minutes of running, or only during the transition period when the car is warming up to full operating temp?

 

[Steve340]

Sounds like a wiring problem - a connection or the ignition switch perhaps.
Start by checking all the multi plugs and wiring connections.
These types of problem can be tricky. Good luck.

 

[Daves69]

Intermittents are a PITA.

Basics-all grounds
Engine ground to chassis.
ECU ground to chassis
Column ground, etc..

Points (condenser failing or shorting out) or electronic ignition (loose female barrel connector in plug)?
Ballast resistor continuity and connections.
Fusible link and bulkhead connection.

Service Manuals – MyMopar

mymopar.com

Last August the male terminal connector crimp went intermittent on my '69s fusible link. Just a slight bend was all it took to change state.....

 

[Challenger RTA]

Question: Dead in the water? Does everything go off? Such as light, gauges or other components. Just the engine dies?

 

[Raycuda]

Does it actually just stall while you are in a steady cruise situation, or is it more like when you let off the gas and the rpms drop, like when coasting to a stop?

Does it happen when the car is fully warmed up, like after 10 minutes of running, or only during the transition period when the car is warming up to full operating temp?

I could be going 70 mph, and the engine just shuts off. I could be stopped at a light, and the car just shuts off. It never does it after a cold start, only after I've been driving for a while.

 

[Raycuda]

Sounds like a wiring problem - a connection or the ignition switch perhaps.
Start by checking all the multi plugs and wiring connections.
These types of problem can be tricky. Good luck.

Thanks.

 

[Raycuda]

Question: Dead in the water? Does everything go off? Such as light, gauges or other components. Just the engine dies?

Everything electrical goes dead.

 

[Steve340]

That may be a fault in the fusible link or under hood wiring.
Get the engine running and start wiggling the connections - you may get lucky.
Sometimes gently stretching the wires works also.

 

[Deathproofcuda]

That may be a fault in the fusible link or under hood wiring.
Get the engine running and start wiggling the connections - you may get lucky.
Sometimes gently stretching the wires works also.

Agreed, that's where I would start. Make sure it is good and hot since you said it only happens after you have been driving for a while. Resistance in electrical circuits increases with heat, so you may have a connection on the hairy edge just on the verge of making/breaking contact.

 

[Challenger RTA]

It could be a few things. In short check the battery terminals. Clean both of them. I say this so you know what it's not. Clean the wires on the starter relay. Clean the chassis ground in front of the battery. Then clean the motor ground. If you don't go through the process of elimination. You will be chasing you tail. It's maintenance that should be done anyhow. You might see something in the process. Fuse able link swollen.
Next I would inspect and clean the bulkhead connectors. Connector 16 red is the battery feed to the amp gauge and splice one. All loads are feed from splice one. If there is no power going to the ing sw the engine will stop but there will be other things working. If the alt feed connector 18 black is not good. It will not feed power to the alt. The alternator won't charge and you loose it all. So inspect and clean. I think you are going to find them melted. When it's cold there is contact. When it heats up it expands and breaks the connection. Let us know what you find. I will continue in the next post what to check next.

 

[Chryco Psycho]

BIg Block ? fuel pump pushrod can wear down & not supply enough fuel to the carb

 

[MoparCarGuy]

Ray's car is a 1970 Cuda 340 Automatic with Standard Instrument Cluster.
I agree with those who are checking electrical/charging system issues. Loss of Alternator/Battery power to the electrical system and ignition.

The 1970 Barracuda full electrical diagram is helpful for troubleshooting.