Where to start looking - question

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Feb 1, 2020 | 06:52 PM

blue351

Thread Starter

Mountain Pass

Joined: Nov 2018

Posts: 111

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Where to start looking - question

i have a 78 351 Windsor automatic trans - about 150,000 . runs like a top until it doesn't. I cant figure where to start tracking down the issue. already replaced module - cleaned fuel filter. Heres what happens , when cruising 50 -60 it runs great - But when I accelerate it cuts out. From a dead stop
it accelerates good until I get to 20 -30 mph then give it hard acceleration it starts cutting out. does this hot or cold. starts good and everything.
could that replacement module be defective ? is it vacume ? distributor ?

any suggestions ?
thanks

Feb 1, 2020 | 07:11 PM

fordguy2100

Cargo Master

Joined: Jun 2015

Posts: 2,240

Likes: 23

accelerator pump? cheap easy part to replace. It helps with sudden accelerations. Next Id look at float level for the carb.

Feb 5, 2020 | 04:56 AM

Ozzie H.

Laughing Gas

Joined: Nov 2013

Posts: 1,207

Likes: 60

From: S.E. Louisiana;so far USA

While it could be something else, I'd agree that it would be good to start with the carburetor. The accelerator pump would be the first stop for me also.

Feb 5, 2020 | 05:30 AM

DB429SCJ

Laughing Gas

Joined: Apr 2016

Posts: 858

Likes: 118

From: Buffalo NY

Check wires to the pickup coil in the distributor. When they get old, they can crack and lose contact as the vacuum advance moves the breaker plate.

Feb 5, 2020 | 09:03 AM

BLK79

More Turbo

Joined: Oct 2006

Posts: 632

Likes: 40

Remove fuel cap, see if any difference. 78 should be vented cap rather than tank. Also could be an issue with fuel lines between tank and pump. I have had ignition modules and pickup coils fail - in my experience these would quit when hot and not work at all until cooled.

Feb 5, 2020 | 09:06 AM

CelticOne

Regular User

Joined: Sep 2014

Posts: 1,798

Likes: 15

From: Bathurst, New Brunswick

Another thought - if the rubber sections of your fuel line are old they should be replaced. They get weak and can collapse with the vacuum created by the fuel pump.