[malarson]

64.5 170 I6 engine, while driving the other night the engine began surging and wouldn't go over 25mph, it idled fine. I limped it home and later that evening tried to start it, it would start immediately, run for 3-4 seconds and die, start right back up, run 3-4 seconds and die. Did this 10-15 times,and all of a sudden it started and ran perfect. It needed a tune up anyway, so I bought new plugs, points, condenser, rotor and cap. Plug wires look new. Installed everything last night, adjusted the carb and took it for a drive, ran perfect. This morning on my way to work it began surging again and had no power. I have to assume it's carb related, float maybe? Fuel filter? Any other ideas?

 

[MarkStang]

I would start with a fuel filter. It seems to take a while for the particles to gather enough to choke it off. Cheapest and easiest approach and a good maintenance move too.

That theory fits the picture to me.

 

[mustang656man]

it has the symptoms of jumped timing but returning to normal; doesnt fit. by jumped timing i mean the timing chain is worn,also the gears and the chain has jumped a tooth on the gear and you wont have much power.if your engine is old with a lot of miles since rebuild it could be the problem. wes

 

[Teebone]

Check the ign coil..when a coil begins to go bad it will cause that problem, after running a few minutes..it gets hot and stops sparking normally

 

[brianstrange]

Don't forget your 40 yo fuel lines too. Mine would make it 3 miles, die.....start in 2 min. 3 more miles etc etc....