Engine issue out of the blue ?

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Old Apr 12, 2020 | 11:20 PM
  #1  
Dranom's Avatar
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Engine issue out of the blue ?

1972 cutlass 350 4bl

car ran like a top when last driven and parked in late feb . ( garage kept ) went to drive on Friday and it sounded like this and would not stay on

any thoughts on issue

first video is initial issue
second video is after changing all plugs and fuel filter
Old Apr 13, 2020 | 12:05 AM
  #2  
Vintage Chief's Avatar
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There are no videos. You can't post most videos here on this site because it is not designed for posting videos.
I suggest you post a video to Youtube then provide a link to Youtube.

You might try to explain the best you can what you personally believe the engine is or is not doing e.g. missing, running rough, fuel starvation, electrical etc.

When was the last time it had a complete tune-up. It may just be it needs new contact points, rotor, distributor cap - simple stuff. When they sit a spell depending on location, they can accumulate moisture and if the contact points were nearly so ready for a change, this could have accelerated the contact points going bad. Possibility of a minor vacuum leak.
Old Apr 13, 2020 | 08:47 AM
  #3  
Dranom's Avatar
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Thank you

Originally Posted by Vintage Chief
There are no videos. You can't post most videos here on this site because it is not designed for posting videos.
I suggest you post a video to Youtube then provide a link to Youtube.

You might try to explain the best you can what you personally believe the engine is or is not doing e.g. missing, running rough, fuel starvation, electrical etc.

When was the last time it had a complete tune-up. It may just be it needs new contact points, rotor, distributor cap - simple stuff. When they sit a spell depending on location, they can accumulate moisture and if the contact points were nearly so ready for a change, this could have accelerated the contact points going bad. Possibility of a minor vacuum leak.

car won’t idle , have to press gas yo keep running and it’s super rough and shaky while doing so . Sounds like a diesel or crop duster at the exhaust end when doing so... sputtering

car then immediately dies when put in gear .

I will post you tube video and link later I appreciate that tip
Old Apr 13, 2020 | 08:51 AM
  #4  
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When was the last time (at what mileage) did it have a complete & thorough 'tune-up'? What is the current mileage or how many miles since the last complete tune-up?
Old Apr 13, 2020 | 09:02 AM
  #5  
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Originally Posted by Dranom
1972 cutlass 350 4bl

car ran like a top when last driven and parked in late feb . ( garage kept ) went to drive on Friday and it sounded like this and would not stay on

any thoughts on issue

first video is initial issue
second video is after changing all plugs and fuel filter
Lacking the videos...........did it run any differently (better or worse) after the spark plugs and fuel filter were changed? If it ran worse after the plug change, double check your spark plug wiring to be sure you didn't mix up a couple (I'll assume you gapped all the new plugs properly before replacement and none were left loose). Check to see if the coil wire is properly seated at both ends. If it ran a little better, continue with the tune-up w/ new cap/rotor/points and maybe a new set of plug wires. Also check for vacuum leaks, a hose may have split while sitting and is now causing it to run real lean

Last edited by JohnnyBs68S; Apr 13, 2020 at 09:04 AM.
Old Apr 13, 2020 | 09:14 AM
  #6  
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i would start by checking vacuum hoses.
Old Apr 13, 2020 | 09:28 AM
  #7  
redoldsman's Avatar
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It is possible you had a rodent chew a wire or vacuum hose during the winter.
Old Apr 14, 2020 | 08:44 AM
  #8  
Jhucks03's Avatar
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Float stuck?
Old Apr 14, 2020 | 07:30 PM
  #9  
cherokeepeople's Avatar
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if you run the rpm's up say 1500 or so does it smooth out?
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