Problems with Carbureted DeLorean

[DeLoreanGirl]

I purchased an automatic DeLorean about four months ago, from some Chad guy. It was supposedly restored on a TV show, but for "restored", the car didn't run right from day one. Just when I think I've figured it out, NOPE, car dies and refuses to move! Please, can anyone offer any suggestions? I've sunk a great deal of money into this car, and I had no idea it would have this many issues...

[David T]

The Delorean was originally delivered with a Bosch fuel injection system. If it was removed and replaced with a carburetor it may not have been done well. Too bad you spent a lot of money on it already and still have problems. Can you explain your problem in greater detail? Does it do it when it gets hot or it just dies all the time? It may not be a fuel problem, it is possible it is an electrical or ignition problem.

[DMC-81]

Hi, and welcome. Sure. There are a lot of helpful people here.

To get started, aside from describing in detail what the symptoms are, what kind of carb setup you have, and the things you have already done to the car? Any pictures of the engine etc would be great to see as well.

Cheers,

[DeLoreanGirl]

For starters, the manifold is hokey, it's a bunch of welded pieces. It has difficulty starting and cuts out when I step on the gas. Here is what I'm dealing with: 20170523_130412.jpg20170706_151405.jpg

[DeLoreanGirl]

It's a Motorcraft 2100 carb

Some things that I've already had fixed on the car:

About 50 hail dents removed
Dash was cracked, repaired that
Filters were shot, replaced them all
No antifreeze, refilled the tank
Oil was shot, changed it
Headlights replaced
Tie rod ends replaced
Steering boots replaced
Weatherstripping was missing/ half torn out of the car; had to replace it all
Front air deflector was shattered, ordered a new one
Rockscreen was missing, had to get one
Starter heatshield was in pieces, replaced it
Brakes were defective, needed repair
Frame rust had to be corrected
Horns were missing, had to buy both high and low notes
Hood latch broken, as well as trunk latch, had to fix both
Back of driver's seat was broke, had to fix
Side bolsters were falling out, reattached them
Fuses were popping out, causing the high beams to malfunction, had to fix that
Door trim pieces fell out, were held on by one fir tree, had to buy all new fir trees and reattach those too
Coolant leak, replaced hoses
Waterpump defective, installed new one
Stains all over the interior, as well as loaded with crumbs, had to completely clean the car
Cargo net was missing, bought one
Shifter was loaded with junk, had to fish out kiddie rocks, money, and a lighter (that was full)
The entire front fascia was cracked in two, had to replace:
20170523_195602.jpg

[81dmc]

Yup, that's Chad's old car all right. Complete with his "Redneck Fascia Repair."

As for the issues, I'd first trace back the ignition system, starting with the plugs. Check for fowling, gap, etc. Work all the way back through the wires, distributor, and eventually the ignition ECU. My car had the very same symptoms and the ECU fried. And if all fails, try double checking the wiring between the coil, ECU, and distributor with a multimeter.

However, if all checks out with the ignition system, look at the carb. It may just need a cleaning.

[Lwanmtr]

Im not totally familiar with the carb setups on these..but would it be feasable to get a properly done manifold, i think there's one or two folks who make carb kits....

Or even put it back to the bosch k-jet injection?

[81dmc]

Im not totally familiar with the carb setups on these..but would it be feasable to get a properly done manifold, i think there's one or two folks who make carb kits....

Or even put it back to the bosch k-jet injection?

The cut and hacked manifold is part of Bill Robertson's carb kits, and IMO, it's not really worth it to downgrade to K-jet...


To be honest, I'm pretty fed up with K-jet after my past few experiences. Hell, I may just join the dark side and dump it altogether for a carb.

[Lwanmtr]

Well a more expensive alternative would be EFI

[81dmc]

Well a more expensive alternative would be EFI

Thought of doing that, but after dealing with all the tables and data logging involved with my Cummins diesel, I'm not prepared to do that all over again on the DeLorean.


If you have the time and patience however, I'd say go for it.