'78 acting strange
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
From: Mount Airy MD
'78 acting strange
I went out this weekend and as I was cruising down the highway, the RPM's jumped up for a fraction of a second then dropped from 3000 down to about 500. I briefly lost power (no acceleration, engine was still running). This happened again but this time, it had a major backfire through the carborator. Needless to say, it scared the poop out of me. More recently, I have noticed that when I start it up, it will run fine but about 5 minutes later (still idling), it will just die. I have not updated or changed anything. I have checked the vacuum lines and they appear fine. I have the L82 engine. Any help would be appreciated.
Thanks.
Thanks.
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 24,125
Likes: 15
From: Columbia Missouri
I would check the fuel system and ignition system.
You may have a clogged fuel filter or a pump that's going out.
The backfire could maybe indicate a timing problem or an ignition problem so I would also look into some preventative maintenance by replacing the plugs, wires, and coil under the distributor cap.
You may have a clogged fuel filter or a pump that's going out.
The backfire could maybe indicate a timing problem or an ignition problem so I would also look into some preventative maintenance by replacing the plugs, wires, and coil under the distributor cap.
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 30,995
Likes: 99
From: Ontario
Have your local auto parts store check the ignition module in the distributor. Bring a hair dryer and make sure the module is hot at time of test. Sometimes they fail slowly and sometimes they just quit.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 1,069
Likes: 2
From: Sherwood Park AB
They are cheap but can leave you stranded with no spark. Don't forget the heat sink paste.
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
From: Mount Airy MD
Thank you all for your helpful suggestions. I will definately check it out and probably replace it and do a tuneup, you know wires and plug wires, cap and rotor.
Again Thank you for your suggestions.
Again Thank you for your suggestions.
