Hi there, I have a 55 Olds rocket 88 that I am working on with a 394cid. I have the car running, but it cuts out with a load, not only that every time a go to turn off the car and turn it back on I need to adjust the distributor for timing (retard) to start it back up. Once I started I need to advance that timing some for the engine to run right, but then again it cuts out with a load, or rather not a load. When I have it on gear and accelarate (cuts out). I will be working on it today, so if any one has any idea of what it is let me know. Driving me crazy.

Thanx,
Frank

 

I highly recommend Pertronix ignition kits. They are reasonably priced and easy to install. Plus, once you install them you won't have to worry about changing points or settin point gap or dwell.

 

That part of your paragraph sounds like a possible lack of fuel - maybe a somewhat bad fuel pump

 

Ok, heres the deal, Paul may have been right. I am already running pertronix. As far as fuel there is fuel getting to it. I have a clear fuel filter running towards the carb. I was actually able to drive it today, but it is just not running right. I am assuming it was because I had the vacuum advance disconnected. Now when I am driving, it just has no power which I am assuming it is due to the vacuum advance being disconnected. Would you guys agree with me and have that distributor rebuilt? When ever I have the vacuum advance connected the vehicle will just stall out. And I will not be able to restart the car w/o adjusting the timing. Let me know your thoughts.

 

Before buying a new or rebuit distributor double check that vacuum advance. You can always at least check the diaphragm at home with a Mity Vac tool (the hand pumps for bleeding brakes). Just hook up the Mity Vac tool to the vacuum advance and pull a vacuum on it. The make sure the vacuum doesn't leak. Of course, this won't tell you if you have the right amount of advance for a given amount of vacuum but it will at least tell you if the diaphragm is bad.