Hello,

Please help me, I am getting desperate now.

I have a 1961 292 with the 2bbl Autolite carb.

My motor has gone south after running the best it has in a long time. It started by wanting to idle down and stall when I let off the gas when driving. It has gradually been more noticable.

So when I get it home, I start trying to figure it out. When I rev the idle to about 2500-3000, it will rev, then after about 5 seconds, even though my foot is in the same place, the rpms drop to about 1500, then drop to about 300 and just about die. If I just pump the gas pedal once real quick or wait a few seconds it will go back to 900 and idle like everything is ok. But now when I try to drive it it falls on it's face, and even seems to backfire through the carb.
Ok, stay with me, (please). I did notice that the see through fuel filter seemed to have less fuel than normal, and trickled through. But My gauge says that it is at 4psi. (I also got a good gas bath from it last night) Later the level seemed ok. I have already ordered a new fuel pump to maybe try, but now I am thinking carb problem. I was going to try a carb cleaner today as well.
When I hook my vacuum gauge up to the carb it is only pulling around 7-8. I have tried adjusting the screws, but can't get much more. If they are all of the way in the engine will die, so I know they are moving. What could cause such a low reading?
Initially it seems that the motor just wasn't getting enough fuel to me, and when the higher demand was let off, it recovered, but now I'm not sure.
The plugs are sooty, and I have recently installed the Pertronix ignition.
Help, I'm seriously considering a newer motor now.
Craig

 

it sounds like your carb but i would have to be there to know for sure.can you get someone in the know to have a look.

 

It sounds like a carb problem but it could also be the pertronix causing your pain. I would try to put new points and new spark plugs back in and see what happens. I had a pertronix only last 2000 miles it started to ramdomly miss on several cylinders back fire both out the exhaust and the carb that could blow out your power valve in your carb if you have one. It is just a thought, I could be wrong.

 

I just got back from the garage. I replaced the toasted plugs, and sprayed carb cleaner and started her up. The problem of dropping from 3000 to 1500 to 300 is still there.
So... I decide to plug the vacuum advance, and the problem disappears! Looks like a distributor problem, hopefully just needing a new vacuum advance, and not a Pertronix issue. If the new advance doesn't work, then I will try the points again. I have changed to a different plug. I guess that I am the last guy in the world to find out that the Bosch plugs totally suck *** in american cars. Thanks for recommending them Autozone guy.

Thanks, Craig

 

It sounds like you have found the problem. There is a diaphragm in the vacuum advance cannister and that can cause the engine to run bad if it is no longer good. You may want to consider an adjustable vacuum advance so you can fine tune your timing.
However, I don't understand why you blame the bosch plugs for the problem. I don't use bosch and I don't know that they are good or bad but they don't seem to be the cause.

 

Your right, I don't think the plugs caused this problem either. I just think it was a coincidence that the plugs were fouled also. I sure hope that the new advance will cure the problem.
Maybe the Bosch are ok, but if these new Autolite plugs don't foul as quickly I will post it so incase anyone is interested in plug usage, they will know.
I am forever searching the archives here for info, you know?
Thanks Craig

 

It wasn't the vacuum advance. Ran absolutely horrrrrrible. Even with it plugged. Decided to take the Pertronix out, and now it runs great. I also accidentally backed over the Pertronix magnet in my excitement to try it out (Doh!) Maybe it was a sign.
My initial timing is a little late now, but with the advance on it idles and runs good anyway. Could it be that the vacuum advance is out of the box adjusted and making up the difference in total advance? Should I go ahead and get my initial advance correct and then try to adjust the vacuum advance to run good? Or should I leave well enough alone? I'm leaning towards leaving it alone.
Thanks

 

Set your intial timeing to specs then make sure your mechanical advance is ok
Make sure your vacume advance is hooked up too the correct port on carb.
This should solve some of your problems.

Good luck HOTWRENCH

 

Hello, from the way you have described it, it sounds like fuel starvation. Many times i have seen where people will put a fuel filter between the fuel pump and carburetor...Guess what happens??? The fuel force actually crushes the inner element (even on clear see through filters that you cannot see with your eyes) and wala!@!!! Fuel can't get through during times of acceleration or when you hold a steady speed or will idle down gradually.. Be sure your fuel filter is the BIG ONE, and place it not between the pump and carb, but instead between the Tank and Pump (The suction non force side), that one error issue drives many people nuts because they change the fuel filter and get out and look and the flow is just dandy, but as pressure increases or idle continues it slowing gets less flow because of pressure forced element inside the filter because the filter is on the pressure side... Check that out, I fixed one at our shop about 3 years ago and a guy thought he needed a whole new ignition and tried this gauge and that reading and this and brought it to us, next day he nervously said, about what will this cost?? And i said 32 dollars hon, talk about a funny thing. I hope this helps you.....Janet

 

4 lbs fuel pressure isnt enough for a y block, alo, those ee through filterare not good on Yblocks.... use a bigger metal filter between he fuel pump dear, don use tt filte by the crburetor by any means,,Also on Y blocks you eed 7 lbs fuel force to keep then running right alo...hope thid fixe you up.....Janet

 

no offense intended-really.i appreciate janet's wisdom and knowledge(i am, after all,totally new to these y-blocks),but really could do without the"hons"and"dears".after all,sweetie,we are(mostly)middle aged,slightly insecure,men.we don't know who you are since we can't see you.seriously,don't mean to insult ,but please let's maintain our(receding)comfort zone.

 

I honestly don't mean harm by my metaphors dear,...i wish you wouldn't take it in this wrog way. I guess it is my way of being happy with those people that wona't to enjoy the things i love....I got interested in the Yblock engines as young as around 6 years old riding in a little ol 56 fairlaine Yblock. It just i guess makes me happy to have learned all i can and i learn everyday....Please dont take it this way, for i feel i share and wish to share with yu all....Us just like these old cars have our own ways...Can we be friends? I want to, who knows, we may just learn from each other...To my fwllow colleage, and your Yblock fan Janet

 

Janet 40, I also appreciate your and anyone else's input regarding our obsolete Y-blocks. However, your input is seriously degraded, at least in my eyes, with your constant and inappropriate personal inuance. I try to steer clear of your replies largely because of that.
Mike

 

hi just reading all you posts good reading and a good laugh to
bosch are good plugs keep your points old is good