basic engine problem, 283 ci, I feel like a dummy

Ok, I know this is something simple but darned if I can figure it out. 1967 283 in a four-door Bel Air. I rebuilt the stock Rochester 2bbl. carb (yes it is done right), put new plugs and wires and points and cap. Only runs full throttle. Won't wind all the way up, just gets to about 1200-1500 rpm and stays there. Smooth, no sputtering or missing, no backfire. Any ideas? Vaccuum leak, bad gas... ??? Thanks for the suggestions.

 

Sounds to me like throttle linkage.

 

Well, you know its the carb since thats all you changed.Check to see if the throttle blades are hanging open.Could possibly be vacuum.Or like the captain said,linkage.

 

It was like this from the start, which is why I rebuilt the carb. I will check the linkage this afternoon.

 

How much in the mag? Is this a three disc clutch? What's the barrel leaked at? Am I in the wrong thread? Is it time for my meds yet?

 

I'd check for a bannana in the tailpipe.

 

Great responses to an honest request for help. That's embarrassing.

 

It could be an exhaust restriction, either a collapsed pipe or rotten muffler. A vacuum gage would show that quickly.

Get it running, pop the carb linkage off at the carb and work the throttle to see if you have a difference. With it hooked back up, make sure that the throttle opens completely. Aside from that, make sure that the vacuum advance is working and the weights are not gummed up.

Bob

 

check the distrubutor timing, idk if itd make it that extreme but... worth a shot

 

Sounds like a massive vacuum leak. Check the base gasket. Fill up the carb manually. Close the choke most of the way.
Open the carb by hand. See what happens.

 

Lippy,

You crack me up!!!

Sounds like an exhaust restriction,,but usually they sputter when that is the case.
Other than that,,check the distributor.

Tommy

 

When you say it only runs full throttle, you mean you have to hold it wide open to get it to run, or it takes off to full throttle itself?

If it's the former, I agree it's liable to be an exhaust restriction issue.

 

Uh, I suppose the exhaust became restricted because he tuned it up?

 

You gotta admit, that Banana remark was very funny.....

 

has it ever run right?
or is this a recent motor swap?

 

It sat for a couple of years, before that, it ran fine. I do mean that you have to keep it open to full throttle. I am cutting the exhaust out of it today and that should eliminate the banana problem. By the way, I don't take offense at the funny answers. I did ask a beginner's question. And I taught 8th grade for several years after college so I am used to the juvenile mindset. Besides, Lippy's reply had me laughing out loud. Thanks guys.

 

does it idle?

 

Just because it wasn't mentioned --- check the firing order, and the positions of the wires on the cap. I've seen some weird shit when 2 plugs were misconnected.

Other that that, sounds like really bad timing to me. Also check the timing chain - may have jumped a tooth.

Good luck
Pete

 

Are the points set correctly?

Try .014 - .016.

Make sure the rubbing block is on a high spot on the distributor cam when you set the gap.

Be sure and use a clean, grease-free feeler gauge leaf.
A smidgin of oil on the points can create problems.


Points that are closed way down mimics carburetor problems and they'll make the engine run rough on the low end.

Did you install a new condenser as well?
Usually when they're bad the engine won't start, but sometimes they will and the engine will run weird.

 

OK, now we have ignition, I switched out points, cap, rotor etc,. Now the thing runs but hesitates on acceleration, and only runs with the distributor turned counterclockwise (advanced?) to the limit (the advance is hitting the manifold vacuum thing). And when it dies, it spits out of the carb and catches fire. Does this sound like slack timing chain, or worn distributor or what? I do want to point out to you guys that this is a 1967 Bel Air four door from Maine (mostly rust) and is destined for a demolition derby on June 13th. So really, it only needs to run well for about 20 minutes. And for the record, I have only one time run a car that I should be hung for destroying, it was a long time ago and I didn't know the value of a 1963 Olds Holiday 88 four-door hardtop with a 394 ci. Now I do and I have to live with the fact that it was me who sent it to the boneyard. But this Bel Air, it is just 20 minutes of fun and a pile of parts. All of which will soon be sold,including the 283 and powerglide to finance another derby car. Maybe next time I'll try an import. Now that I've pissed off the purists, thanks for the help.

 

I'd throw a timing chain on it. And while I'm there, I'd do a quick mockup of TDC with the balancer & timng cover to make sure the balancer ring hasn't slipped.

good luck