meads

Hello Guys,

I took my car out for the first time in a week this morning after and this is the first time I experienced the following problem. I drove about a mile from my home, all was fine. I stopped at a stop sign and when I pressed the gas to go...I had nearly zero power. I was able to limp into into a CVS parking lot, checked out engine (due to my lack of engine knowledge though, this is what I literelly did...checked it out hoping to see something obvious. I did not). I was able to get home, but barely made it up the hill. Any idea what this could be? Oh another thing, although I had a half tank of gas, when I took off from stop sign I noticed my fuel gage needle jumping up and down like mad. Could it be a fuel filter?

Back story, couple of weeks ago I replaced my radiator cap and went from a 15rated to 16 rated (all they had in stock). Next morning my fluid was on the ground. Thought 16 was to much pressure so replaced it with a 13. (No 15 to be found in this town). But through the help of this site, I discovered I have a leak in my heat block. This morning I checked all fluids and did have to add about a quart of coolant and the 13 rated cap is still on the car. Could this be the issue? I hadn't had any trouble with her until I changed the cap two weeks ago.

I hope this makes sense. Thanks for any help you can offer.

Mark

ent72olds

Could be a clogged fuel filter, or maybe bad fuel pump. Could be dirty jets in the carb. All it could take is a small piece of dirt to clog them. I would pop the hood, start the car, take air cleaner off and manually pull the throttle linkage. Look down the carb throats, and see if you are getting good streams of fuel. If its a 4bbl, sounds like the problem could be with the primaries. Since they open first, and you have no power.

Also, just for precaution, with the rad cap off, do you see a lot of air bubbles in the rad? Is the oil clean or milky looking?

oldsguybry

X2 ... is the fuel filter still on the carb ? or does it have an aftermarket one on the gas line near the fuel pump .... BTW nice car

MDchanic

Could be a lot of other things, too.

Have you tried to start it since then? Did it crank over? Your symptoms could represent a charging system problem with a very low battery.

We would need a LOT more information in order to provide you with meaningful help.
With what we have, it could be a problem in essentially any system or adjustment: fuel, spark, timing, compression (head gasket / loose spark plugs) - you name it.

The one thing I would say is probably not involved is your cooling system.

- Eric

Rickman48

Sometimes you can get away with manually 'choking' the engine by revving the motor and putting your hand over the carb, until it almost dies, and then letting it rev again.
Do this 4-5 times, and take it for a ride!!
Should take care of 'clogged jets'.

meads

Thanks guys.

Fuel filter is aftermarket.

DSC_0627-1.jpg

MD, thanks for helping me rule out cooling system. And I know what you mean, could be many things. Will probably have to bring her to the Dr.

ent and Rick, I'll try your suggestions first.

Thanks again Gentlemen.

Mark

ent72olds

Nice ride by the way....should post more pics of it!

MDchanic

I would check all the usual things first:

• Voltage (you usually feel the power go below about 10.5 volts)
• Points - did the rubbing block break off? Are they fouled? Check the dwell
• Condenser (change to another one - an old one in the toolbox is fine)
• Wires, especially coil wire (is it old and arcing somewhere you can't see?)
• Spark plugs (How do they look? If sooty, you may have a poor spark. Are they loose - don't laugh, it happens)
• Timing (was the clamp loose, allowing the distributor to slip?)
• Compression (head gasket)
• Fuel filter (would have to be completely clogged to do this)
• Fuel pump (not likely as problems first show up at high speed, not on local streets)
• Carburetor (would have to be a BIG chunk of crap, in just the right place, like maybe jammed into the needle orifice, to cause this)
• Water in the gas
• I'm sure I'm leaving a few things out...

More information from you would help us narrow this list.

- Eric

oldcutlass

X2 on all the above!

meads

Hello Guys,

Eric, I wish I knew how to do everything you suggest. I really mean it. Someday I hope to learn enough to trouble shoot like that. I really appreciate your taking the time to list all possible causes. Thanks.

Now "choking" the carb is something I can do and I tried that 5-6 times. Then I adjusted the mixture screws, incase something was clogged in orifice like Eric mentioned. Got her idling good, took her out for a cruise through Pismo Beach and Arroyo Grande and she ran like charm.

This site is invaluable. Thank again guys.
Mark

meads

BTW Ent..here are a few more pics. She really is a great car. I almost had to sell her last fall (lost my job) but I just started back to work after being out of work for five months!!! So happy I didn't have to sell her!! If any of you are ever traveling the PCH through Cambria, CA and need a place to stay, visit Cambriainns.com

DSC_0051-1.jpg



DSC_0019.jpg

DSC_0031-1.jpg

DSC_0012.jpg


DSC_0079.jpg


DSC_0073.jpg


DSC_0098.jpg

ent72olds

Man, that is something!

MDchanic

NICE!

... And, a tip of the hat to Rickman, who seems to have nailed it!

- Eric

meads

Yes, thank you too Rickman!

Rickman48

Thanks guys - always start with the easiest things, first!!

Hated it when techs 'just threw parts at it'!
Only when adjustments fail!

oldcutlass

Wtg Rickman and meads! Btw meads, super nice car!!