Re: 1938 Super 8 1605 - adventures with a newbie

Posted by kevinpackard On 2023/8/17 22:49:35

Well guys, I'm at a loss here.

New points, condenser, rotor and cap. Points set to correct gap per the service manual. Reset the timing by putting #1 at 9 degrees TDC (8.5-10 according to manual), then setting the distributor with a multimeter.

The guys at NAPA looked at the dizzy (I brought it in) and the bare wire seen in the picture is a ground wire, according to them. No idea if this is accurate. Regardless they didn't have a replacement that they were aware of. The power wire coming from the coil and going to the points is red and is fully intact.

Confirmed the vacuum advance holds suction and moves the plates, removed line and capped to set and confirm timing with car running. Bent the arm that controls the idle steps so the set screw is on the first notch at full open choke.

I took it out for a test drive and had the same result. In nearly the exact same place, as I'm nearing 35 MPH the engine stumbles, sputters, and dies. Made it about a half mile. I can floor it in first and second gear and it doesn't seem to struggle. But get it into 3rd and it's like it has no power. Within a minute of going into third and trying to accelerate it dies.

I have no idea where to look next.

-Kevin