First off thanks to everyone who replied to my last post. This is the same engine as in my previous post (400 big block chrysler, not sure what year). It has a non-stock cam (I don't know the specs, it was installed by a previous owner and the guy I bought it from didn't know either), a non-stock electronic ignition (once again previous owner)with no vaccuum advance, and a non stock Holley 650 four barrel carb. The problem is that it seems like there is more vibration than there should be at idle in gear or in park, but it doesn't seem to be misfiring and the cylinder compression is normal. When I hit the throttle hard enough for the secondaries to open, it backfires and belches fire out of the carb, then proceeds to have no guts whatsoever. I ran some lucas fuel system cleaner through it and changed the oil and spark plugs, bought a Holley Trickit for the carb and rebuilt it because the secondary float needle was sticking and the secondaries are now operating normally and are getting fuel. I checked the compression in all cylinders and it was normal. The distributor cap and rotor are in good shape and I just set the air gap. I checked the timing and it was set at more than 30 degrees (!) before top dead center, so I advanced it to 7 1/2 degrees before top dead center, and it behaved the same only ran worse, like that was too much advance. It has fresh fuel in it also. Starting to run out of ideas. If anyone could steer me in the right direction, I would be grateful!
- posted
18 years ago