I recently swapped carbs in my 72 cutlass and the car ran fine before the swap. After i switched them when i tried to start the car it acted like the motor was out of time and the generator light came on. I even tried putting the carb that was on it back on and did the same thing. I must have done something wrong any ideas?

 

Sounds like the fuel line may be restricted and not delivering enough fuel to the carb. Also check the to ensure the vac lines to the distributor are on.

 

Did you try adjusting the carb? Sounds like the idle was too low and hte a/f mixture screws needed setting.

 

Yeah we adjusted the carb tried a bunch of other things. Even when i put the carb that was previously on the motor back on it was doin the same thing even though the motor ran just fine two days prior. Sometimes it will start but then it will just putt along never really get going.

 

Vacume leak at the carb base?

 

I know that if it is an Edelbrock carb you may need to use a adapter/spacer plate. If you mounted the carb straight to the manifold without it, it may cause some problems.

 

What carb was on there? What did you swap it to? What manifold are you using?

 

I swapped a 1406 edelbrock for the 1405... i have the performer intake and i do have a spacer on there already.

 

Did you somehow move the distributor (timing) while installing the carb?

 

I didnt think i touched anything other than the carb but i am going to check over everything tomorrow and see if i can figure this out.

 

I don't think the spacer is required with the performer manifold unless you are using it to gain some height. You may have disturbed the wiring for your ignition at the coil or on the cap. If its an HEI, it's very easy to knock the cap off center. Do you think you left a vacuum line off somewhere?