NEW PROBLEM(S):

[Stewart G Griffin]

Something new suddenly appeared today:

Some background, just to reiterate:
i have a non-computer HEI and a non computer quadrajet.  The distributor might be from a 76 chevelle, i'm not sure.  But i have been wanting to replace this distributor for a long time.

What's happening is that the engine seems to be running not as smooth as before.  Also, the vaccuum gauge does not hold steady---jumps around a bit.  If i keep the rpms above, say, 1500 rpm the engine will keep running, if not the engine will stall out.

When i get to a stop sign or slow down for a turn, the vacuum gauge goes crazy---all over the dial.  And the engine will stall out unless i shift into neutral and give the engine some gas to at least 1500 rpm.

The engine ran perfectly fine yesterday and the day before.

What do you think is the problem?

[VileZambonie]

Check your choke, check your basic ignition components, check for vacuum leaks.

[Stewart G Griffin]

i think the choke is ok as i checked underhood and it was open;  Why would the choke be causing these problems.  Let's say that the choke was stuck closed---the engine would still run wouldn't it? 

i am leaning towards something in the distributor, but will check vacuum leaks as well.

Plug wires seem ok.

[zieg85]

I would check the timing, probably indicate the distributor advance wigging out.  I had that happen to an earlier Chevy 10 years ago.  My $.02

[Stewart G Griffin]

i'm thinking it has something to do with the distributor's timing being off too----as i have to keep it revved up pretty high to prevent stalling. 

i forgot to mention that i could not twist the distributor housing so that means it did not move and retard it's timing that way.

[frogman68]

How about the chain jumped ?

Rotate engine till TDC and check the Rotor

[Stewart G Griffin]

i hope not, although that is a possibility.  The engine runs not too unsmoothy at about 2000rpm although there is some roughness there that wasn't there before.  So, i'm thinking it's probably not the chain.

i'll get this all sorted out hopefully in the next few days.  i have to go to work soon and it looks like will have to ride my bike---about 12 miles.

My other car is at my apartment, which is too far to drive with the truck in this condition.

[frogman68]

Well its a nice time to ride the bike (I think you said you were near DC) in the Nations Capital

[Lt.Del]

You'll just have to eliminate things one at a time...like fouled spark plug, spark plug wire burnt, as Vile said-- choke misadjustment--it should be open all the way after just a minute or two of running, vacuum line fell off-hence vacuum leak, cracked distr. cap, faulty egr, etc..

keep us posted

[TexasRed]

Could be bad gas too.

[VileZambonie]

Could be bad gas too.

Every time I get a milkshake I get that too

[Stewart G Griffin]

i think i'm just going to switch back to the esc distributor i have lying around unused to save time and money.

Can i put the distributor in as close as possible to the one being taken out and try to get the rotor in the same position as the old one or do i have to do the #1 TDC routine?

[Lt.Del]

Could be bad gas too.


Every time I get a milkshake I get that too

   

Stewart, just pop the cap off and see which direction the rotor points.  Then pull the distributor out, place the new one in and try to point the rotor in the same direction at the where the old one was pointing.   It may be a gear tooth or two off before the distributor will slide in, if that is the case, and the rotor goes in clockwise slightly, turn the distributor slightly in same direction so when the cap goes on, the rotor still points to same plug wire on cap. Then tighten the distributor hold down clamp up, but not too much, so you can time it.

[Stewart G Griffin]

Should i use a new gasket?

[Lt.Del]

It's probably a good idea for those who are very meticulous, however, I am far from it.  I reuse mine