Hesitation on initial acceleration

Posted by 55PackardGuy On 2014/7/23 10:48:59

Hello all,

On my '54 327 engine, I have noticed that with the spark plugs set up right, I have had TOO MUCH punch at low speeds. The condition was there before and after changing plugs. It's like the linkage sticks just a bit and then when you press it hard enough to move it, it goes too far. Great for getting tire chirps but not so nice on the passengers' necks. I tried lubing the accelerator linkage with MM oil at all the pivot points I could find, but not much luck.

In addition to a stiff accelerator, there is a "dead spot" just off-idle that seems to be a lean condition. The accelerator pump was just replaced, which helped this condition a bit, but it still seems to be a factor in smooth acceleration.

I'm getting better at driving smoothly around city streets, but with all that torque, a manual trans, and 4.10:1 gears, it can be quite... stimulating. Having the OD might help, but I don't like using it in town. I just de-clutch when I want to "freewheel".

Also, since changing to straight 30 weight oil with 1 pint of MM oil added, I had the oil light flickering at idle. I turned the idle mixture screw about 1/2 turn richer and the resulting RPM bump means the light isn't blinking at idle, but it didn't change the hesitation. I don't know much 'bout carbs, and there's probably a better way to go at it. I haven't messed with the other set screw, which I believe is "high speed" mixture. Time to look at the shop manual.

On a trip to the gas station (the clear gas is now 91 octane there) I found that through the last half tank or so I was getting about 16 mpg in mostly around town driving. Not so bad.

I put in a bottle of "Gunk" lead substitute, as well as a bit under a pint of MM oil in the tank. The gas might be a little heavy on the additives now, but next time I'll try to run the tank more before adding.

But I never know exactly how far the tank is down, because the fuel and temp gauges don't work. I have heard they're both on the same fuse, so am just hoping to find the fuse, and that will be the end of the problem. If it's a short, like, shudder, the fuel tank sending unit, I'll be mighty disappointed.

Any ideas on the hesitation and/or smoother pedal feel would be much appreciated.

Thanks!