Packard Forum Index » V-8 (1955-56)

New starter and carburetor, then new battery cables after the one that was p;laced next to the manifold burned through.

Car starts easily and seems to run well except....when moving fairly slowly as in almost coasting, at which the motor seems to gasp for air periodically. Rpm drops for possibly half a second then goes back to normal. Doesn't stall (at least so far) but does produce nervousness.

Any thoughts?

P.S.

thanks to all for dealing with all my traumas in the last two months. It has been a weird summer!

That sounds like a small vacuum leak somewhere. Try turning the idle screws out a little bit (record the amount). If the problem gets better then start plugging vacuum lines, although it could be inside the carburetor as well. Sometimes the choke pistons wear and suck vacuum. It could also be the vacuum advance as the ports are uncovered at light throttle.

Pat

Vacuum leaks can also occur in and out of the fuel pump, and also at any fittings connected to the intake manifold.

Ask me how I know...

Regards


John Harley

Quote:

Yyyyeeeeeessssss?

Today we found the vacuum leak, which turned out to be a hose which had slipped off of the washer unit.

Mechanic then fine tuned carb settings and it runs like the gracious lady she can be. I should add that we did plugs/points just because.

She starts on a twist of the key and seems to be more powerful while using somewhat less gas. I'll report back if this holds up in practice. At the current cost of petrol, better mileage is a good thing.

Please tell me that you replaced the negative lead with a braided strap as they did originally--

The fix is a short starter cable, under plastice.....

I just had to reply to this post..I am also having this type of summer I bought my car in July...rebuilt the motor, Just finished rebuilding the trans and now I go out to start it and gas starts leaking out of the fuel pump....Looks like it needs a new fuel pump now and there is a 7-10 day wait on that...

FWIW I keep one in my spares along with a water pump and other stuff......

I love this site!!! I bought a fuel pump using the #6866 number, which fits a Chrysler 318 early 70s from Advance auto parts for 20.00 bolted in on and drove it today...The arm looked different but worked like a charm...Thanks guys