Hello everyone. I have a '73 coupe that I am in the middle of restoring. While, actually, I was attempting to restore it, realized its ridiculously expensive, and now I just need to get it running properly in order to sell it. So here's my problem. I had gotten the car running just fine. I drove it around for a few weeks. Then, all of a sudden, it started kind of choking down (back firing, not wanting to go, possibly like it was struggling for gas) while I was driving down the road. I get the car home, and while it is parked in neutral, I can rev the crap out of it, peddle to the floor, and the engine runs prefect. I take it out on the road again, and its the same thing. Once it gets going, shortly after I get out of first but before I get into third, it starts struggling again. It shifts fine, so I don't think it is anything to do with the transmission, but I don't really know. Hence the reason why I am asking the forum for help. Someone had suggested to me that the fuel filter might be clogged, so I'm going to replace that today, but I do not understand why it would run fine in neutral if it was the fuel filter. I do have to admit though, it definitely seems like the engine is having a hard time getting gas. I just need to get this thing running properly so I can sell it. Please help. Thank you.

-Chris

 

Also, check your vacuum lines to the carb. You may have a leak you don't know about. How is the timing on it? It doesn't sound like fuel filter to me. Is everything tightened down that needs to be...carb...distributor clamp...etc? Good luck.

 

Sounds like your choke is sticking

 

It's easy and cheap to replace the fuel filter and a good starting point. Also the sock in the tank could be plugged.

 

I've had a simmilar problem. I have replaced the fuel filter, carb, dist.(changed from points to HEI then back to points), fuel pump, timing gear and chain, and played with timing and nothing has helped. I have a new fuel line to go from the tank to the pump. If that doesn't help, I plan to change the screen inside the tank. If that still doesn't help, I can only guess my cam is shot or some valve springs are worn out.

 

Check your advance before you dig deep.

 

I agree with Avette. While you're checking the advance, check the hoses to the TCS. The solenoid could be bad also. Bypass it and connect Vac adv to carb to test.
Good luck,
Chris

 

I love when the simplest solution actually fixes the problem. It actually was the fuel filter. Thanks everyone.