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low speed surging

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Old Apr 4, 2016 | 06:29 PM
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Default low speed surging

We have a 25 mph speed limit in our subdivision at that speed first gear car surges. is it because of lean condition or timing?

Last edited by 694speed350; Apr 4, 2016 at 06:30 PM.
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Old Apr 4, 2016 | 08:29 PM
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Surging usually means lean.
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Old Apr 4, 2016 | 09:37 PM
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Timing more than likely.

What are all your timing numbers?

Is the engine stock or modified?

At 25 mph in first, what rpm is it running at?

Remember Lars famous line, "most carb problems are really timing problems"

Last edited by claysmoker; Apr 4, 2016 at 09:38 PM.
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Old Apr 4, 2016 | 10:43 PM
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Set your timing back in small increments until the surge is gone.
Is your vacuum advance can connected to full vacuum or ported vacuum?
Your vacuum advance can may be coming into fast, thus causing the timing to be too far advanced.
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Old Apr 5, 2016 | 11:08 AM
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Originally Posted by babbah
Your vacuum advance can may be coming into fast...
Maybe you meant mechanical advance? A '69 should have full vacuum advance at idle.

Last edited by 454Luvr; Apr 5, 2016 at 11:09 AM.
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Old Apr 5, 2016 | 11:36 AM
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As posted above, it may be excessive vacuum advance timing causing "trailer hitching". Simple test is to disconnect the vacuum advance can and test the car. If that solves the problem, install an advance limiter as Lars sells.
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Old Apr 5, 2016 | 11:42 AM
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The edelbrock you tube vid says it can be from the carb tuning or dirty carb as well. You can look up your carb info and google vids for trouble shooting. Good luck
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Old Apr 6, 2016 | 08:02 PM
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Originally Posted by 694speed350
We have a 25 mph speed limit in our subdivision at that speed first gear car surges. is it because of lean condition or timing?

For a "no load" speed of 25 mph I suggest you run it in 2nd or 3rd gear.
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Old Apr 7, 2016 | 11:02 AM
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Originally Posted by awesome71vette
For a "no load" speed of 25 mph I suggest you run it in 2nd or 3rd gear.
Really??? are you kidding???? if this is your advise,



OP... this is almost always a fine tuning problem with ..A/F and timing...I am working on the same issue now... it could also be a vacuum leak or other problem like that, but if everything is in check.. then it is just fine tuning as i stated,,,,

Last edited by pauldana; Apr 7, 2016 at 11:08 AM.
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Old Apr 7, 2016 | 11:33 AM
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Originally Posted by awesome71vette
For a "no load" speed of 25 mph I suggest you run it in 2nd or 3rd gear.
That sounds a lot like the advice that used to be given by our ex-forum expert TBTR

A low speed or cruising surge is usually caused by lean condition, fatten up the carb and see if it goes away
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Old Apr 7, 2016 | 11:29 PM
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Originally Posted by awesome71vette
For a "no load" speed of 25 mph I suggest you run it in 2nd or 3rd gear.
I usually do but coast this is still in 1st gear. my mechanical tach dosen't work why would you want to run in 2 or 3rd gear alough it will take off from a standing start in 3rd. however it shouldn't surge in first gear at 25 mph. just don't like the surge at low rpm.
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Old Apr 7, 2016 | 11:35 PM
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Originally Posted by Rescue Rogers
The edelbrock you tube vid says it can be from the carb tuning or dirty carb as well. You can look up your carb info and google vids for trouble shooting. Good luck
carb has been rebuilt by a forum member. just off idle is problem.
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Old Apr 7, 2016 | 11:36 PM
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Originally Posted by MotorHead

A low speed or cruising surge is usually caused by lean condition, fatten up the carb and see if it goes away


why would somoene intentionally lug a motor in higher gears at very low engine speeds it does more harm than anything else
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