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'74 BB running like cr*p

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Old Mar 6, 2012 | 10:46 AM
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Default '74 BB running like cr*p

My 74 bone stock 454 recently started running bad. Blowing out alot of soot on start up. Coughs and sputters. Backfires on occasion.
Anyone have an idea where I can start looking?
TIA.
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Old Mar 6, 2012 | 11:04 AM
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If it sat up over the winter Id say old fuel in the tank.Good place to start.
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Old Mar 6, 2012 | 12:04 PM
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I don't know. I'm in Texas and have been driving it over the winter when weather permits.
This started out barely noticeable and has gotten progressively worse.
Thanks for your reply.
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Old Mar 6, 2012 | 12:08 PM
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How about more background on maintenance? How many miles since you changed the points, plugs, etc. Did you check if the choke is frozen?
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Old Mar 6, 2012 | 12:13 PM
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Originally Posted by MelWff
Did you check if the choke is frozen?
That's where I would look first.
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Old Mar 6, 2012 | 03:05 PM
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Default Choke Pull Off

I'm assuming you're talking about a cold start.

If the choke flap is "closing" properly when cold, prior to starting, make sure the choke pull off is opening the flap some after the engine starts.

I have a Holley Street Avenger and had that trouble. Took me a while to locate the pull off adjustment but once I did it was an easy adjustment, and solved the problem.

Remove the air cleaner and right after it starts, jump around an slightly open the flap with your hand and see if that helps.
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Old Mar 6, 2012 | 03:11 PM
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Timing would be the first check, given that it's not just on startup.
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Old Mar 6, 2012 | 10:15 PM
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If it does it when warm, you could be looking at manifold gaskets.
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Old Mar 7, 2012 | 04:47 AM
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My buddy just finished a 69 427 roadster with similar symptoms. Changed out all the valve springs, there were 3 broken ones. This is not a fun job with.power brakes. Because this Vette sat for long periods without being started the compressed springs took a set and failed when it was started after years of neglect.
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Old Mar 7, 2012 | 08:22 AM
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If the miles are high, it may be time for a new timing chain. Put a timing light on it and see it the timing mark is jumping around more than normal.
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Old Mar 7, 2012 | 02:07 PM
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I'll look at the choke this evening. My start ups look like the photo in the above thread named 'Exhaust soot'.
Thanks for the replies.
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Old Mar 7, 2012 | 02:30 PM
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Usually something real simple doubt anything in your motor is broken
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Old Mar 7, 2012 | 04:07 PM
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Originally Posted by cuisinartvette
Usually something real simple doubt anything in your motor is broken
Got my fingers crossed.
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Old Mar 7, 2012 | 08:20 PM
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Sounds to me like your choke pull off vacuum canister has failed. As soon as the cold engine starts, it should pull open the choke just a little bit- maybe 1/4". If that's not happening, check the pulloff motor with a vacuum gauge. It's on the front right side of your Quadrajet.
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Old Mar 8, 2012 | 11:37 AM
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Originally Posted by gcusmano74
Sounds to me like your choke pull off vacuum canister has failed. As soon as the cold engine starts, it should pull open the choke just a little bit- maybe 1/4". If that's not happening, check the pulloff motor with a vacuum gauge. It's on the front right side of your Quadrajet.
Thank you for the reply. Gives me something else to look at.
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Old Mar 8, 2012 | 01:17 PM
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Curious about this problem too. Keep us updated!
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Old Mar 8, 2012 | 04:36 PM
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Will do. Thanks.
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Old Mar 13, 2012 | 07:47 PM
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Originally Posted by Indiancreek
....and see it the timing mark is jumping around more than normal.
What is normal?
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