Sputtering

[eroomas]

The saga continues, I've been having problems getting the engine to recover from my switching out Lifters and push rods. Aside from the Cam lobes being rounded off. I'm trying to eliminate any other issues that could be causing the problem before I break the bank on a cam replacement or possible total rebuild. As I probably mentioned in a previous post after switching out lifters the engine hasn't been right. Initially the engine would run but very poorly very little power and would not idle at all after it warmed up. After having the intake manifold reset to correct a vacuum leak, replacing the points and rebuilding the distributor, the engine runs much better. Around town if I take it easy on her she runs fine. At idle she sounds great. Unfortunately when I accelerate she sputters(with an occasional backfire) and still has very little power and sputters at high speeds (55mph and up). I also noticed that when the problems start, the AMP light comes on; sometimes flickering, sometimes stays on for a bit then goes off again. Could this be related? I'm hoping for a "Its not the camshaft" solution.

[eroomas]

The generator has recently been rebuilt.

[Matthew Keij]

How is your distributor timing?

Sounds like the same issues I had but after checking and adjusting the timing a couple times the car runs so much better now

[eroomas]

Thanks Mathew, I think my mechanic adjusted the timing after he rebuilt the alternator, is it possible the adjustment didn't hold? Also I took her out for a short drive this morning and the engine was fine. I didn't take her on the highway but accelerated a lot just to see how she did and she did fine accelerating. It seems there is only a problem once she is warmed up. I'll recheck the timing but, could it be a head issue? She doesn't burn or go through any oil, could I have a small crack? please say no

[Matthew Keij]

Let's hope it's something simple!

I had to adjust mine 3 times, than it finally ran good.
Do you have the 58 and 59 shop manuals? I can look up the timing. Thought it was 10 degrees for a 318

[eroomas]

Thanks Mathew, I do have the 57-58 manual with the 59 extension. I'll check that out later this week. Hoping that's all it is.

[Faulkner]

Andy, does the car have electronic ignition, or does it still have points?

Checking the point gap is one of the first things to do - it's easy, often drifts, and is responsible for more trouble than you can imagine.

Dan

[eroomas]

Thanks Dan, Ill check that as well. on a good note my brakes are working great, as it turns out, somebody put the wheel cylinders up front upside down. between switching those out and lubricating the metal part of the shoes, it not only solved the problem but made them actuallt work properly for the first time since I bought the car.

[Mark Merritt]

Check your vacum advance at the distributor for hose or internal air leaks,sounds like it is not advancing, Mark M

[big m]

From your description, it does sound like a distributor issue, the timing could be too far advanced, causing an off-idle erratic miss. Possibly the mechanical advance springs are worn or missing. Try retarding the timing about 5 degrees to see if a difference is made.

Camshaft problems will have an even misfire at all speeds, or continual popping back through the carburetor.

---John