random stalling

[2toneFatone]

I have a 72 240z that starts fine and runs good... most of the time. Every once in awhile it will stall, shake, and then shut off. But it will always start up fine. As far as I can tell, it happens randomly as I havn't been able to find a common cause. It has happened when going down the road at a consistant speed, accellerating, and just idling. I have no idea where to start, as I am not very experienced. Any input would be much apreciated.

[peterc]

Usual suspect in situations like this; a fuel issue. Debris in the gas tank that randomly blocks the intake tube or a blocked fuel filter are the first things to check. Does it happen only if the engine is hot, or can it happen on start-up? If only when hot, and you've eliminated the filter and crud in the tank as possibilities, then it could be a vapor lock. Not likely the fuel pump if your '72 still uses the mechanical pump. It wouldn't cause random failures like this.

Cheers

p

[Nigel1943]

I'd go with peterc on this one. Tank out I'm afraid, but check the fuel filter first.

[2toneFatone]

This is kind of an embarrasing, but I can't find the fuel filter anywhere except for the screens in the carburetors. There is another one right?

[Weasel73240Z]

There should be 1 right on the passenger side inner fender (pic), and another inside the electric fuel pump (if you have one) behind the fuel tank. Mine also has e in-line, right after the elec. fuel pump. But I'm pretty sure that one was added by the PO.

[2toneFatone]

Ok I don't feel so stupid now for not being able to find it because there isn't one. Which means that my stalling problem is probobly because of crud in the gastank.

[Weasel73240Z]

Sounds like a good bet.