Hi Garth, my name is Walter. Let me see if I can help you with your problem tonight.

You'll need to do some diagnosis work to pin down the problem for sure. Problems like this are not uncommon and sometimes the remedy is easy and other times it's a real chore to track down.

The issue is most likely going to be either fuel or ignition. Keep a can of starting fluid with you and the next time it does it, give it a shot. If it hits and runs just long enough to burn off the starting fluid you sprayed, you have a fuel problem.

If not, it's probably going to be ignition. Either get a spark tester or, before the next time it happens, figure out how you can position a wire to see the spark jump. You'll have to have a helper to do the cranking for this one. Just because you get a spark, that doesn't mean that's not your problem. Make sure it will jump a good distance (1/2 in.) with a nice blue arc. Under compression it takes a lot more voltage to jump the plug gap than out in the open, so if you're having to hold the wire real close to ground to get it to do anything, you probably have a weak coil.

A weak coil will usually show itself when it's hot and then come back to life when it cools off. In my experience, this is probably the most common cause of trouble on hot starts.

If you have anything else to add regarding your hot start problem, please let me know. I'm happy to help.

Say Garth, how is the fuel filter mounted? I'm guessing it's an inline plastic (clear) type.

Is it where it can drain by gravity, above the carb? The reason I ask is because the carb won't suck a fuel filter dry on it's own.

How long does it need to cool before starting again?

What you saw in the filter might have just been agitation. Fuel delivery stopping at shut-off just because it's hot would be a very odd problem. Try the tests I gave you, though. Do you know how old the coil is?

Well, give those two tests a shot so we can at least narrow down which system is causing the problem. If the coil looks old, just go ahead and replace it. Coils are often neglected just because a car runs, but you'd be amazed at what a difference a new one can make even without the problem you're having. When you learn more, write back. I'm happy to help until you get the problem sorted out entirely.

Thanks! Please let me know how it works out.