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Snow + 10° = BTH (Being Towed Home)

BGBronco

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Jun 23, 2017
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Tennessee
Finally had some snow in KY today. Took the Bronco out for a drive this AM. Had a great time and then the engined died. Couldn't get it going with Starter fluid. Luckily, someone stopped to help and dragged me home. Not a proud moment.

No experience with carbureted engines and cold weather but I'm assuming I should have known this would happen.

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Digger556

Sr. Member
Joined
Aug 8, 2013
Messages
793
Finally had some snow in KY today. Took the Bronco out for a drive this AM. Had a great time and then the engined died. Couldn't get it going with Starter fluid. Luckily, someone stopped to help and dragged me home. Not a proud moment.

No experience with carbureted engines and cold weather but I'm assuming I should have known this would happen.

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Hmmm, carb should be okay in cold weather, especially if it was already running and warmed up.

Check your ignition wiring. If it didn't pop off with ether, then I would suspect lack of ignition. Perhaps the cold and vibration broke an old, brittle wire OR snow packed in somewhere and put extra strain on a wire.

A more far-fetched possibility is that something old and brittle came loose in the carb and allow excess gasoline into the engine, flooding it out. But I suspect you would have smelled gas if that were the case.
 

Jdgephar

Bronco Guru
Joined
Sep 25, 2012
Messages
1,317
Sorry to hear. Never had issues with cold weather with my two. Just really hard to get it fired up when everything is cold. After they warm up, no issues.
 

Rustytruck

Bronco Guru
Joined
Feb 24, 2002
Messages
10,875
Check for moisture in the distributor cap or moisture on a dirty coil top. If found then spray liberally with WD_40 and wipe out the excess. Spray the ignition system before the rainy season to avoid moisture intrusion. In these old trucks keep a can around their not as water proof like the newer cars.
 

ared77

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Bronco Guru
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Apr 21, 2013
Messages
2,791
If it didn't even hit with starting fluid, it's not the carb. Probably no spark like others are saying, or a broken/stretched timing chain.

Good luck!
 
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OP
BGBronco

BGBronco

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If I spray starter fluid, it will 'try' to start but won't stay running. I'll check those areas. Thank you.
 

sprdv1

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REBEL
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Messages
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well that sux. Sounds like something that would happen to me
 

NicksTrix

Bronco Guru
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Aug 1, 2001
Messages
6,386
Takes air,fuel and spark to run
One of them is missing
 
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TN1776

Bronco Guru
Joined
Oct 24, 2006
Messages
2,632
Nothing like a Bronco to ruin a good time. Mine's been towed home 3 times, but each time was a learning experience and an opportunity to address an issue such that the same failure won't result in me being stranded again. Fool me once...

Your description of the engine starting briefly with starter fluid but dying screams of a fuel delivery issue. Check your fuel lines, filter, pump, etc.

Once fuel has been ruled out, spark would be the prime suspect.
 

American180

Full Member
Joined
Sep 22, 2017
Messages
184
Loc.
Mount Washington, Ky
No experience with carbureted engines and cold weather but I'm assuming I should have known this would happen.

I really wish mine was ready to drive. I would love to be out playing in this stuff. Having a carburetor doesn't matter, I made a lot of money plowing snow with my first 74. I agree with it being a fuel problem. Probably fuel line freeze up. If you can, put it in a heated garage over night and thaw it out. If it fires up, I'd add some fuel additive to the gas.
 

phred

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Aug 25, 2006
Messages
3,432
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Earth
I’m going with ice in the fuel. All it takes is a very small amount of water to create a dam. Low spot in fuel line even in the tank around the pickup.


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ScanmanSteven

Bronco Guru
Joined
Dec 19, 2010
Messages
1,129
I say throw the starter fluid away. It’s hard on any type of engine, use your can of WD40 to spray instead. It will and can run with it and lubricates at the same time, doesn’t wash the oil off the cylinder walls like ether.
 
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BGBronco

BGBronco

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Not that I needed another reason to call myself a dumbass but I was out of gas. And it took me all day to figure that out.
 

Digger556

Sr. Member
Joined
Aug 8, 2013
Messages
793
Not that I needed another reason to call myself a dumbass but I was out of gas. And it took me all day to figure that out.

That sucks, but we've all had similar moments.

I just did the same things while tuning a chainsaw that sat for 20 years. Ran when I put it away, won't start a week later. Pulled for 15+ minutes before checking the gas tank.%)
 
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