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Started the engine, and got problems..

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Old May 8, 2003 | 01:33 PM
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Default Started the engine, and got problems..

I started it cold this afternoon. haven't started in a day....it spits, sputters, misses, can't keep idle....i don't know whats wrong? I got a Speed Demon Vac. Sec...i figured its the main problem...(jets too big). but this is ridiculous, however; i'm still running the stock points style distributor that gives that boring dull yellow spark. i just got all the MSD box and electronic stuff in..so think that will solve my problems? help me guys. :(
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Old May 8, 2003 | 02:57 PM
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Default Re: Started the engine, and got problems.. (REDSHARKONBOYDS)

Did you check your timing? Ignition system problems diagnose almost the same as carburetor problems.
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Old May 8, 2003 | 03:00 PM
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Default Re: Started the engine, and got problems.. (Boofers)

timing set 12 initial. i hope its the ignition...but i need to get her running enough to make it down the road to the garage where we'll install all this....at where i'm at right now, it won't even get out of the driveway.
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Old May 8, 2003 | 09:08 PM
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Default Re: Started the engine, and got problems.. (REDSHARKONBOYDS)

I don't see how adding the MSD box is likely to fix your problem. If the points are in good condition and properly adjusted, they aren't likely to be your problem. Did it run ok before the carb swap? After the carb swap? Did you change anything besides the carb itself? If the carb is properly adusted, it's jetting should have no effect on how the engine idles. What do the plugs look like? Are they dry?
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Old May 8, 2003 | 09:24 PM
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Default Re: Started the engine, and got problems.. (Vetterodder)

If it's really ragged and it's definitely loading up pull 4 jet sizes out of the primary and leave the secondaries alone; you want to tune your idle first. Cold starts without the benefit of a choke is tough and cars that have a choke but are running too fat will also load up and die. I'm rarely over here on the C3 side but I'll check back and see your results...
-Jeb
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Old May 8, 2003 | 10:15 PM
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Default Re: Started the engine, and got problems.. (jburnett)

funny thing been happening.....i come to find out that its been jumping time...my distributor was loose as a goose! i finally figured a good spot for it, got it running, but its still missing! idles very rough! its definitely loading up still.
vetterodder...its a zz4 crate, so the Speed Demon is my first carb. it ran ok, but still backfired at higher rpms, and always had a problem loading up. i'll be taking plugs out this weekend for a look.
jburnett...pull 4 jet sizes...you mean change jets? i'm everything but a carb guy....so sorry for the ignorance.


[Modified by REDSHARKONBOYDS, 9:17 PM 5/8/2003]
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