C3 engine cutting off when fully kickdown
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 30
Likes: 0
C3 engine cutting off when fully kickdown
I have a cutting off problem when I fully kickdown my 72 C3, it cut off just some seconds after kicking down full accelerator. Is it due to carberator (fuel) or electrical issue? Please advise.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 8,351
Likes: 75
From: Tampa Bay FL
Could be anything from distributor/coil to carburetor. Did it just start happening? Any recent repairs/changes?
Intermediate
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 31
Likes: 0
My 78 did this it was two things. The distributor was part of the issue the advance was rusted shut, had to pry the weights open, ended up replacing the whole distributor with a msd. Also the carb needed rebuilt the fuel would not keep up, I replaced it with an efi system and the car woke up, you may just need an overhaul on the carb. Good luck!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 8,351
Likes: 75
From: Tampa Bay FL
I wish I had rehabbed my OEM distributor. Could have saved some cash and gotten it set up by Lars in the process.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 8,351
Likes: 75
From: Tampa Bay FL
I agree with the other posts. Accelerator pump may be shot. Ethanol infused fuels are harder on the accelerator pump. Worth a try to replace accelerator pump. I think Lars sourced ethanol tolerant accelerator pump from NAPA when he rebuilt my carb. No issues since then.
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 6,231
Likes: 65
From: Seattle WA
St. Jude Donor '14
My take on these issues is to get the timing right and remove that as a variable - and then begin troubleshooting the carb. Check the wires, timing and advance curve to ensure they're in the ballpark.
Is the trans auto or manual? What engine? Any modifications?
Is the trans auto or manual? What engine? Any modifications?
Cruising
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
From: Livermore CA
Before you start down the rabbit hole of carb stuff make sure the ignition system is exactly how it ought to be.
I had an issue similar to this in my '70 Chevelle. When I would stab it the engine would bog which led me to having to lift off or risk a stall. Turns out the weights in the Dist were stuck, as well as the HEI module were bad. When I fixed those the car ran a lot better but still wasn't just right. Since I knew the ignition was sound and fresh I chased after the old Carter AFB on top and adjusted the Accel Pump, and springs only to have the damned thing spring a leak one day coming home from school...the throttle plate shaft bushings disappeared and doused the whole intake, water pump, valve covers and dist in fuel. Now shes sporting a Holley 670 Street avenger and fires off at the touch of the key, and she will get em loose whenever I tell her too.
Last edited by Cookie_M0nster; Nov 12, 2013 at 02:17 PM. Reason: I accidentally a word
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 30
Likes: 0
Guys, my C3 engine is 350 original without any modification and 400 Turbo 3 speed transmission, If I want to refresh the distributor/ignition, what parts need to be replaced?
Could the coil cause this problem?
Could the coil cause this problem?
