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no power when car is running
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caddyheaven
New User
Mar 19, 2008, 5:48 AM
Post #1 of 7
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no power when car is running
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i have a 1981 cadillac superior hearse with the cadillac 368 ci. motor. My problem is that it will start and run but it has no power, takes forever to get up to 55 mph, there is a strong smell of gasoline like the motor is flooding, and keeps stalling out at low rpms. I have changed the plugs and wires, set the timing to factory specs but that didnt help. it has an electronic carb with no adjustment screws like the older rochester carbs. any help will be appreciated
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Double J
Veteran
/ Moderator
Mar 19, 2008, 6:41 AM
Post #2 of 7
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Re: no power when car is running
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First thing that came to mind is ..try advancing the distributor and see if it gets more power...
Maybe we have a timing chain/gear issue.
Also check the pickup coil wiring inside the distributor..fray and cause driveability issue.
Catalytic converter restricted?
Strong smell of fuel?...have you checked for leaks. hoses,lines,pump...
Fuel delivery problem ,as in not enough fuel can cause car to take forever to get power,especially right after cold start.
Bad carburetor?
Has the car been sitting any length of time?
Take a fuel sample?
Just throwing some things at you
(This post was edited by JIM N on Mar 19, 2008, 6:45 AM)
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Mar 19, 2008, 8:19 AM
Post #3 of 7
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Re: no power when car is running
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Open book of possibilities. Try taking a intake manifold vacuum reading at idle and again at no load at 2,000 RPMs as they should be the same. What is the vacuum reading at idle. If not real close to 18Hg and steady note just what it does and report back.
That would help narrow down exhaust restriction, timing issues, etc.,
T
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DanD
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Mar 19, 2008, 8:48 AM
Post #4 of 7
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Re: no power when car is running
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There so many possibilities that could be causing this; it hard to know where to begin.
Is the automatic choke coming off all the way? If not that could explain the fuel smell and low speed stalling, plus the interlock for the “four barrel” would still be on, holding the secondary throttle closed causing the lack of power.
The power valve in the carb might be stuck/seized in one position again causing a low rpm flood and the loss in power, due to lack of fuel for the secondary’s.
The throttle position sensors were famous for failing with these carbs; they placed the sensor inside the carb, in the float bowl. Fuel would find its way into the sensor causing them to either go open or short to reference voltage. Regardless of which way it failed the computer wouldn’t know how far your foot was or wasn’t into the throttle; thus not adjusting timing or changing the dwell on the power valve’s solenoid on time.
Then it might not even be a carb problem; possibly a restricted exhaust/plugged converter; if exhaust can’t get out air can’t get in.
Then there’s engine mechanical; ie a timing chain that is very loose or jumped a tooth. You can still set ignition timing by cranking the distributor around but the valve timing would still be late/retarded.
Just a few thought off the top.
Dan.
Look like we're all thinking about the same here guys.
Canadian "EH"
(This post was edited by DanD on Mar 19, 2008, 9:55 AM)
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Mar 19, 2008, 2:12 PM
Post #5 of 7
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Re: no power when car is running
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"Ayup" .......... or "EH" in Canadian!
T
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caddy heaven
Anonymous Poster
caddyheaven@comcast.net
Mar 20, 2008, 1:14 PM
Post #6 of 7
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Re: no power when car is running
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i replaced thr everything on the distributer including [plugs and wires, cap, coil ,pickup,rotor i have tried advancing the timing in 2 degree increments to no avail seeing as it seems to die on hills i will check the fuel pump
thank you for the reply
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Double J
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Mar 20, 2008, 1:49 PM
Post #7 of 7
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Re: no power when car is running
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To add..
I had an Oldsmobile back when that had a condition similar...took forever to get up to speed...I could get out and walk faster...LOL
....but it had a lean misfire to it after cold start and big time driveability issue cold..would fall flat on its face on hard acceleration,had to ease the gas to get to speed ....not as bad when warm but still noticable...
I found the steel fuel line back near the pump area that had a slight split in it...never ever showed a sign of a leak..I traced the line front to rear and couldn't see any sign of a problem....ran it on an external fuel source,in those days you could,..problem cleared...
So I removed all the lines and inspected and found the split...man it was so small ,barely could see it...put on all new lines,steel and rubber....
Ran like a champ after that...
My point is...sometimes that even tho you don't see a leak,it can still be a fuel delivery /volume problem...
Just a thought...
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