1948 Chevrolet Fleetline Aero- 216 (Miles unknown) Purchased approx. two years ago, sat around in my garage I was completing a light restoration (paint, chrome ETC) Drove around block and it felt fine (got up to 25mph), I recently finished the cosmetic restoration and took her on a drive, she stalled out at acceleration so I completed tune up: Cap, Rotor, Condenser, Ignition wires, Plugs, Coil, Vacuum advance on distributor, cleaned fuel lines, cleaned tank, changed fuel filters (cleaned), fuel pump, timed, carb rebuilt - checked compression last night all between 95-100 (cylinder) now: starts right up, but has a "shutter" or shake at acceleration.. she runs good at very low speeds (approx 5-10mph) She starts right up (no hesitation) I am being told today from friends that might have intake manifold leak- so planning on doing quick tomorrow- any other ideas?
I just performed the leak test.. unfortunately no leaks.. saga continues- I did make a video if anyone would like to watch
Carter W-1 or Rochester B ? If you have the B, hone the pump barrel with your wheel cylinder hone & take all the slack out of the pump linkage. Then crank up the timing until it spark knocks, back it off until you get a slight ping on hard pull in second ...
Possibly an old rebuild kit in the carb... you need to find one with seals that will stand up to ethanol
Try to give it a rev or 2 with the timing light on... it should move with the advances. If it doesn't, check your vacuum and centrifugal advances .... they may be froze up with rust and crud.
I put on a new advance.. will take a video of it tomorrow on acceleration - appreciate the help- willing to try anything
It's balking when you have maximum fuel draw.... how is fuel flow from the tank to the pump? Could be something blocking the line. Crud moving to the inlet that settles back when you back off might be a culprit. Have to say it does sound electrical to me though. Maybe double check those new wires and plugs.
I cleaned out the tank- I also cleaned out the gas lines- changed old fuel pump (original with filter gl*** bowl) and put on a new one- changed number 02 filter and all lines to ensure all clear. I have tried three coils (all new) two sets of plugs- new wire set (I have another set will try those). I will remove the valve cover today and look for broken springs as advised above- also did compression check all came back 95-100.. will also take video of engine on acceleration today after warming up- my mechanic says it is the distributor.. but he also said it was all the other things we changed.. so I am seeking other suggestions
After the carb kit, try new points and gap them. You've probably done that but not mentioned it. Crud under the need and seat? Condensor?
Yes tried a few sets of points and a few seats of rotors condensers and caps- I even have a extra new set of wires I am going to try- seems like everyone is pointing to the carb, so now I will pull off a carb from another fleetline I have and try it out.- yesterday I checked out the springs and all are in great shape- nothing is sloppy or broken- completed the leak test with quick start and could not find any leaks at intake or carb base (I was hoping). Now I am going to try another carb from a car that is running great and change ignition wires- I had a guy tell me it needed air and to remove the gas cap I even tried that but nothing changed.. still balking at acceleration. thanks for help
Drizzle some gas down the carb throat and see if it improves, your fuel filter looks like you are low on gas. Gary
Gary, thanks- so on acceleration your saying have someone pour some gas down the throat? see picture I just took of my fuel filter it always seems really low to me? I cleaned out the lines from the tank (and tank) a few days ago but did not clean out from fuel filter to carb (will clean out today).. I will remove the stone in the filter also today and see if that helps.. I am willing to try anything..
You can also hook up a temporary gravity feed fuel tank to the line by the carb and see if it helps. You have 2 hands so one for the throttle and one to dribble a little gas. Even a shot of either should help when you open the throttle if it is a fuel problem. Gary
Fuel filter gl*** bowl should be filled - Is the gasket new? Does the fuel pump **** in air at the fittings? When a pump goes bad it can **** in air as one of the symptoms. Install the fuel filter upside down so the gl*** is up and the carb always gets fuel even if the pump ****s in air. Check out the original 216 fuel pump.... On my rides I use this top filter section mounted to the later fuel pumps, so I don't have to use the inline filter and extra fittings.
So I finally found myself a local 216 expert- took him about 10 minutes of adjustments and then he took off.. came back did some more adjustments.. purring like a kitty with power like a lion.. Problem: timing off points gap incorrect carb needed adjustment I had spent three months and paid $300. to other mechanics trying to solve problem, one mechanic told me it was bad distributor but I suspected he was just changing parts and not diagnosing the problem.. when he pulled plugs he said.."these are lawn mower plugs" they were Champion M8 plugs.. so I knew he was not familiar with these 216 motors- If anyone needs a great mechanic in Los Angeles, OC area contact me.. plus he only charged me 60 bucks.. talk about ethical.
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