#askmechanic

[askmech]

[ My ask box is closed! Feel free to ask me anything. ]

[nikolaibelinski]

dude i just spent 10 minutes looking over a post on r/askmechanics and im convinced all car mechanics/enthusiasts are winging it bc every single answer to a question is different

[smoothshift]

What timing advance curve springs would you recommend I run in my big block? via /r/cars

What timing advance curve springs would you recommend I run in my big block?

I tried poating this on /r/askmechanics but nothing ever really moves there.

I built the engine but timing curves have always been a bit if a mystery to me. I'm looking for suggestions on how to set up the distributor. Here's the set up.

Street/strip 4speed Nova that weighs just a touch over 3000lbs and runs on 91 pump.

468ci big block Chevrolet with 781 heads (open ovals ported to 2.19 and 1.88) and LS6 pistons (about 10.5:1). Cam is an off the shelf Comp magnum hydraulic flat (.480/.480 and 270/270)

Ignition is an MSD HEI with an upgraded coil and a street fire control module. Timing starts at 8-36 but I just set it for a good idle because honestly I don't really know how to do it better. I'm still running stock advance springs, bushings, and vacuum advance.

The car sees a LOT of highway time on drag week, Rocky mountain race week, and some other long cruises.

I've never messed with advance curves and don't really know where to start. Tips?

[askmechanic]

holY HECK WELCOME BACK

(Not sure how long I'll be back though..!)

[that-lovable-mechanic-blog]

ROBOTS OR DINOSAURS?

"Aw, hell man, robots! Duh!"

[smoothshift]

(X-post from /r/askmechanics) [2002 Mazda Protege5] Car overheats and stalls - will not start. After it cools down, it will start but stalls after a few seconds. via /r/cars

(X-post from /r/askmechanics) [2002 Mazda Protege5] Car overheats and stalls - will not start. After it cools down, it will start but stalls after a few seconds.

Hey there,

I bought this car a week ago, with it came without a thermostat which I installed yesterday. Everything went fine, it went up to running temp in an appropriate amount of time and stayed throughout the driving process. I drove about forty minutes away in stop and go traffic without any issues. When I got to my destination, there was a lot of water on the ground. I chalked it up to it being that I overfilled the coolant resivor and radiator and it is dispelling the excess as it cools.

There was also a puddle underneath a corner of the radiator, I figured it may be the condenser as the AC was on.

I figured I'd pack water and start driving, if I see any signs of overheating, I'd pull over and refill the radiator and turn back to reassess damage.

I start driving and it seems everything is fine once again, temp gauge stays at the Midway point and doesn't decorate the slightest. After 20 minutes of highway driving, it stalls out entirely. No power steering or power breaks... The temp gauge read medium heat but after turning the key again, it read HOT. fuck me lol. It won't start after a couple cranks. I leave it alone and allow it to cool. The entire time, hazards are left on and the aftermarket radio is on (but nothing playing). I know how this was a bad idea but I was not thinking we'll at the time. Once it cools enough, I open the cap and refill the radiator. I see there's a reasonable leak from the bottom passenger corner of the radiator maybe it'll still get me home... Turn over the car and nothing. No click from the solenoid. Dead bat.

I have a friend come by to give me a jump. The car now turns over and starts but after a few seconds it slowly stalls out. Even when gas is given, it will die out.

So many questions here but I figure you know what they are haha.

I understand this is an essay and I apologise. Any ideas to what could be the issue of it not starting? I do not think the head gasket broke, the oil was not milky. The symptoms say fuel pump, but why would overheating kill the fuel pump? Possibly the coolant temp sensor? Low oil? But then why is the oil low?

I'm hoping to have a part in hand when I go to the car so I can repair it there since I have no car as of now. Any help is welcome!