Got a '59 389 with Tri Power (mechanical linkage) that's been having fits lately. It'll start and run ok but when I step on the gas it bogs down and dies(with or without tranny engaged & center carb open only). The only way to get it running again is to open all 3 carbs and crank her til she decides to go. Before it finally runs again it usually backfires, chugs, and runs extremely rich expelling gas from the tailpipes. Sometimes it just floods out and I have to wait to start it again. I assume I don't have a carb problem because it runs great when it's running. I have good ignition and the vacuum advance has good vacuum and diaphram. Timing, dwell, points, all set to spec. Perhaps the mechincs of the advance are sluggish? They seem to be free when I remove the distributor and check it manually. This thing is driving me nuts! Does anyone have any ideas? Thanks in advance.
Quote (I assume I don't have a carb problem because it runs great when it's running.) Sounds like a carb prblem to me... Running Rich & gas out the tail pipe Maybe check the carbs to see if there is a Sunk float letting gass pour in the engine. Just had 1 of the 6 97s do it... For no reason just sank.. They doit
You know what ASS U ME means! I'd start with the center carb,clean it and check the float as De soto says! And you think 3 carbs is tough try 6 of them.
I had a progressive linkage sticking and trying to open the end carbs from idle. Might make sure your linkage is moving freely.
Why would the car run at all then? How would a float or carb problem be intermittent? Gas out the pipes only happens after this occurs then cleans up right away again. Once I get it fired again it runs great. This problem only occurs under partial throttle. Idle is great and once the outer carbs open it's good again. Also, carbs are all recently rebuilt and have brass floats. Sorry if I didn't describe the problem well enough the first time. I'm kind of befuddled from this whole problem. Again, thanks for any input.
Think about it if it floods I'd say it's in the carbs. I think it has to be float level or defective float, are any of the carbs wet inside the bore before you start it, are there fuel stains around the throttle shafts? How often do you start it ? I have to work on mine if I let it sit for several weeks it seams !
I have checked plugs. Mostly light brown with slight carbon build up but not severe. No oil, no fuel (other than soaked when this problem occurs).
I'll pull the carb again and take a look at it. Throttle shafts I know have a small leak but otherwise from memory (I know I know.. Memory isn't too good) can't think of any visual problems exterior on the carbs. I'll pull it today and get back with more information.
Then, I say the Floats. I have a 60 389 with a rebuilt Rochester 2 bl carb and the float had a pin size hole. Replaced it and all is good.
From your original post you say that after you get it started it runs fine till you hit the accelerator pedal, then it bogs. Well if that isn't carb issue I don't know what is. As was brought up start with the center carb and check the float and its related parts along with accelerator pump plunger. If this doesn't uncover something (I am pretty sure you will find something) then go to the other carbs and make sure the progressive linkage is adjusted and does not stick. After that I would remove the progressive from the two outsides and run on center only and see if this helps. If not you are now two steps closer to the problem. Even if you run the engine without either distributor advances, there should not be the excessive gas out the back. Good luck
She's running again!!! Car was completely detuned. I have never seen that happen from sitting over the winter. Timing was about 6 degrees atdc and dwell was at about 36 degrees! I don't know how it even ran. Center carb was running rich and once I got it running again idle was about 400. Thanks for your help and suggesions everyone!
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