Classic/Antique Car Repair: engine stalls, vapor lock, air leak

Question
i have a 1956 ford 272 engine , i just had a new electric fuel pump installed and new fuel filter , i thought this would cure the stalling out , however i noticed that it stalls out only when the engine is hot not cold , i have a 180 thermostat , could this make the car stall , by over heating , i live in florida , i don't see the need for a theromostat anyway , it's driving me nuts !!!

Answer
Hi Jim:
You could be experiencing either vapor-lock or intake manifold air leak.

1. If vapor-lock, the fuel line is getting too hot and causing the fuel in the line to boil creating vapors and shutting of liquid fuel flow. If the fuel line is too close to the engine, it should be wrapped in fire resistance insulation to keep it cool.

2. If Air leak, then you need to find the source of the leak and repair it. Could be any joint from the manifold to the carburetor, which would cause the car to run rough at first, then stall.

a 180 thermostat should be just fine for that car as long as it's opening when it should and not overheating.