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This is a single breaker point ignition. What's an ignition tumbler?

I thought a tumbler was for holding Farmwood Wines. I'm sure you know holding the foot feed hard to the floor if it acted like it was flooded, but I didn't smell any gas. I might try to tie the choke open, then if it happens again, there may be something to the distributer idea, or not. Just something to make a small change and see what happens.

The tumbler is the place where the key goes. I've had a wire shorted in the "tumbler" that acted the same way. It basically would start the car, but when the key went into the run position from the start position, it would short out and stall.

-BP

Tumblers are for combination locks on safes. This is a keyed ignition switch. I don't use a combination lock to start the truck.
Anyway enough razzing of poor BP. I've tried the foot feed to the floor in case it's flooded thing and it didn't change a thing. It would just fire and die. You'd think it would at least idle. But the squirters were squirtin'.

I think you have an issue with the ignition system and not the carb, that's why I thought it might be in your key switch. It sounds like you're only getting spark while the starter is turning and as soon as the signal is done to the starter, so is the power to your ignition system.

I can't wait for my free breakfast.

-BP

Man - can'tbelieve I missed the free breakfast comment.

I agree with BP - this is a bad/worn out ignition switch.

To test BP's theory, get the truck started then stall it out without touching the key. Leave the key in the on position and start the truck with a wire at the solenoid. I bet it will fire right up.

I just went out and tried to start it. It failed again. Yesterday, I tested the fuel pump and it pumped a pint of fuel in 25 seconds. The flow seemed a bit weak to me, but it was within specs. At the same time I found a lot of gunk in the sintered bronze fuel filter. After I cleaned it out and put everything together, I saw the same symptoms, but the engine did start and run normally after a few tries. I thought maybe the float bowls needed time to fill.
Time to redirect my focus to the tumblers. Actually the ignition switch is not the original. I replaced it a couple of years ago.

You could put a test light to the coil while all this is happening. If the light goes out after the ignition goes to the run position, then there's your problem.

-BP

Yep. I tried to do that this afternoon but the dang thing started before I could check it out. I'm going to take a jumper with me when I drive the truck. If it fails again, I'll just put 12 volts on the coil. If it starts right up, it will verify your hypothesis. Stay tuned...

Morning sickness appeared again this morning so I jumpered 12 volts to the coil and tried it again. It fired and ran. When I pulled off the jumper it stopped (with the key still in the on position). Hmmm...tumblers???

Ol' Blue has a new tumbler (ignition switch) as of a few days ago. So far no more failures. Of all the thousands of replies to my ad hoc contest, BP came in first with the right answer. Thanks BP. You win the breakfast. All ya gotta do is bring a copy of this post to the big Truck Carlisle meet to claim your prize.

On another topic, that @#$%$#@%$#@ Custom Auto Sound radio I bought at Carlisle a few years ago has gone silent again. I gotta find a decent radio with knobs that will fit this truck. I'd like to find one with a good quality stereo amplifier that can blast tunes over the noise in the cab.

And so, thus ends the chilling story of the "Tumbling Tumbler".
I want to be there when BP collects his breakfast under the grandstands
at the 2008 All Truck Nationals.

I had problems with a customautosound radio in my Corvette too. It would all of the sudden just go to completely full loudness. I like the guy that would put modern components in your stock radio.

I can't wait for my ham / egg / cheese sandwich under the grandstands. I think I'll have a doughnut, orange juice, and a coffee too. Consider that my order. I'm glad I know what a tumbler is...

-BP

I was repairing my old photo albums, since many of the pictures have come loose,
and found this old photo. Unfortunately I don't remember the year, but Mostmint
was still polishing his TransAm. That Mustang staging against him was piloted by
ANKOVER (aka Tim). The power plant from that 12 second Ford ride is now resting
comfortablely in "Old Blue".

If you look really hard, you can see the "460" on the Ford's front fender.
Not only do I not remember the year, but also who was faster in this run.
Just enjoying the memories.

You can see the 12.20 on the passenger's window of the mustang, and the T/A looked to be running 13.71.

I think it's time the Trans Am get "restored". For less money than another race car replacement, this car could be cosmetically cleaned up and looking good.

-BP