Hello everybody,
Let me ask: How much fuel should a 1940 special Deluxe 4door take normally?
Have been out with my 1940 to a vintage car meeting last sunday, I guess it was first time since maybe 1960 the car did run more than just around the corner. So some surprises came up.
1st as I wrote in another topic, the motor did run out of gas when driving faster than 50mph. After some road tests I am sure now the problem is a corroded gas tank and the rusty particles block the line at first beginning inside the tank.
Did remove the filter in line just behind the tank and connected the tanks end with a long hose and did try to blow air in and at first moment it was as hard as you try to blow up a kiddies ballon, after blowing the dirt out it was easy and I could her it bubbling at the opened filler plug. There must be an awful muddy mess inside the tank after decades without driving regularely.
2nd:
Now complications begin: We in germany think completely different how to calculate what a car needs. We calculate in how many Liters for 100 kilometers.
I know your way of calculating is usually how many miles per gallon.
Did try to find my lost mathematics anywhere in my old stupid brain

to convert it.
Maybe I am right: We did drive 128 miles there, start with gas tank filled up until it reaches the filler plug.
After these 128 mls I did fill up again and did need 32,66 Liter which is 8,62 gallons.
So in german system the car did need 15,9 Liter per 100 kilometers.
In US-System it is 14,84 miles per gallon or 6,73 gallons per 100 miles.
I did think and calculate everything twice, so it should be ok.
It was a warm, sunny day, we were three people in the car, no luggage, and just straight on overland, no stop and go, no big hills or mountains.
Comparing that measured out consumption with results of a road test result from an official chevrolet switzerland advertise 1940 it sounds a bit too much for me. They from switzerland wrote something about 10,8 to 12 Liter per 100 kilometer. That is less than the 15,9 mine did drink.
And not to forget, I could not drive fast because of the clogged fuel line and as well I am no race driver, even not with a vintage car. But the 1940 has a modern downdraft carb, and my gone 1931 with the updraft which needs more fuel in general did for sure take less than the 1940 now does.
Must say, maybe it could go down a bit after some service which is not done yet.
Means checking and maybe adjustment of intake/exhaust valve play, ignition (timing?), advanced spark, carburetor.
Before digging to deep under the front hood I want to ask you about your experiences.
So, in conclusion, is 14,84 mls/gallon ok or sounds it as too much for you?
Regards
Stefangermany