Have you checked the point dwell?
318 Engine Running Like Crap - Help Needed
- Thread starter 69cudaownr
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I just read this again and you have to disregard that. The dwell cant be jumping like that.
Then get the distributor cam on the high point and measure the point gap with a feeler gauge. Should be like .019" - .022" Make sure the screws securing the points are not loose, first.
Looks to be the points rubbing block is worn darn near flat....maybe a quick look see.
Grease
AJ/FormS
68 Formua-S fastback clone 367/A833/GVod/3.55s
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I agree with Mr. Brooks in Post 23.
I started this morning by changing the fuel filter. Then checked vacuum hoses and checked carb bolts (thanks post 8), all good. 
I then went through carb tests, all indications is good fuel pressure, no float seat leaks and get fuel when manually pushing throttle, plus choke is not engaged and I'm not getting a rich fuel burn when it is running.
Those were easy diagnosis items. It now comes down to ignition and the backfire is a good indication that fuel was not being burned in the cylinder. I changed the coil because it was old and the distributor was new. No difference. I pulled the distributor cap, cap and rotor were pristine as per post and pics earlier in the day. I did notice the points looked like there was arcing (see earlier post with pics).
I got tired and frustrated. Tomorrow I'll go back at it with new points and condenser.
I then went through carb tests, all indications is good fuel pressure, no float seat leaks and get fuel when manually pushing throttle, plus choke is not engaged and I'm not getting a rich fuel burn when it is running. Those were easy diagnosis items. It now comes down to ignition and the backfire is a good indication that fuel was not being burned in the cylinder. I changed the coil because it was old and the distributor was new. No difference. I pulled the distributor cap, cap and rotor were pristine as per post and pics earlier in the day. I did notice the points looked like there was arcing (see earlier post with pics).
I got tired and frustrated. Tomorrow I'll go back at it with new points and condenser.
OldmanRick
Well-Known Member
I'm in this camp. Maybe a ballast issue also? How do the point contact pads look?
The contact pad has a brighter metal spot on 1/3 of the contact. It looks normal wear to me, not an arcing type burn. Check out post #18 the arcing on the backside of the points is not normal. I didn't post the pic,but that is my distributor.
Ironracer
Gearhead
Owwwwch....
^^^^^^^ Note 'the high point'
The point gap should be .017'' ---- The dwell angle should be 32 degrees with the vacuum advance hose disconnected. The points in #25 last pic look slightly open, they should be closed. But pictures can be deceiving.
The carb has 700 miles on it, the distributor has about 300 miles on it.
The cam has about 6000 miles on it and the engine has about 40,000 on it since a rebuild.
Have you checked the tuneup yet? The point gap in particular?
I bought a “new” rebuilt distributor a year ago. Points block wore down in 500 miles. I don’t trust the replacement points with the white/clear rubbing blocks. Look like a plastic that would melt at temperature.
Go to ebay and buy some NOS Mopar or Echlin brand.
Go to ebay and buy some NOS Mopar or Echlin brand.
It's alive, it's alive! Points and condenser. Running like a charm. Very busy last two days and got back to it this morning. I checked the points gap and it was good, however the points seemed to have an arcing mark on them (pic in post #18). In the end I believe it was a bad condenser, but because I changed them both at the same time I can't be guaranteed. I think the key info was the backfire symptom, a tell tale sign I have unexploded gas leaving the cylinder (intermittent spark).
Thanks to all for your help.
Thanks to all for your help.
Good for you! Remember: go back to the basics and never overlook the obvious. I hope your new condenser is a good one. Many new ones aren't.
Johnny Dart
Well-Known Member
Triple R is probably not going to agree with me, Lol. But in my opinion, now's the time for an electronic ignition upgrade. Easy Pezy. Give that points distributor to your 3rd Cousin.
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Why not? Points do work. I even upgraded Vixen to a nice electronic ignition not too long ago. Points ran fine, but I already had the electronic distributor which I rebuilt and recurved and I also had the harness. All I lacked was the ECU and I got one and did it. Runs good.Triple R is probably not going to agree with me, Lol. But in my opinion, now's the time for an electronic ignition upgrade. Easy Pezy. Give that points distributor to your 3rd Cousin.
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