63 Power Loss

[Lyle Hayer]

Hi guys,
Has someone experienced the symtom of power loss and a sort of pulsating surge and release of power from a base 250 hp powerglide unit. The carter Carb probably needs a rebuild but this occured overnight. It doesn't feel electrical, it almost feels like it's starving for fuel. Or maybe some vaccum leak. I was on my way to San Diego, I went through the process of checking the meter rods and linkage and float adjustment is next. Am I close. I wonder if the powerglide could be involved. When parked and I bring the idle up, I don't have any loss or hesitation. I'm fishing for some advice. Thankx in advance.
Lyle

[Chris Robertson # 37813]

Re: 63 Power Loss

Two years ago my 63 250hsp powerglide did about the same thing. It was a windy spring day, didnt think much of it. The next time I took it out it was a really windy day figured it was just the wind, then I heard a ticking noise, then the water temp started climbing, oil pressure dropped, blew the top radiator hose, spun rod bearing, complete rebuild. The fellow who rebuilt the motor gave me no clue as to why it happenned other than stuff gets old. Hope this is not the case with yours. Wish I would have sent one of those engine oil samples in though. And I did want to repaint the engine compartment anyway so it wasnt all bad. Good luck

[Duke W.]

Re: 63 Power Loss

Just a thought: When was the last time the sintered bronze filter in the fuel inlet was replaced?

Duke

[Mike M.]

Re: 63 Power Loss

PULL APART THE INGITION HARNESS FROM THE FIREWALL SIDE OF THE FUSE PANEL, THOUROUGHLY CLEAN ALL THE TERMINALS, COAT SUCH TERMINALS WITH SILICONE DIELECTRIC GREASE(DELCO PART), REINSTALL THE ING.HARNESS TO BACK SIDE OF THE FUSE BLOCK, TAKE IT FOR A SPIN(STOMPING HEAVILY ON THE CLUTCH PEDAL S0METIMES WILL PRECIPITATE ENGINE CUT-OFF IF THERE IS A CORROSION PROBLEM AT THIS ELECTRICAL JUNCTION) IF THAT DOESN'T CURE PROBLEM, PROCEED WITH IGNITION & CARB INVESTIGATION.YOUR POST WASN'T TOO CLEAR IN REGARDS TO WHETHER THE CAR IS LOOSING POWER OR SHUTING OFF COMPLETELY ON AN INTERMITTANT BASIS, IF ITS INTERMITTANT, FOLLOW ABOVE ADVICE. IF ITS LOSS OF POWER, PROCEED TO IGNITION/CARB INVESTIGATION. GOOD LUCK MIKE

[Lyle Hayer]

Re: 63 Power Loss

Just in , thankx for thoughts. I'll try another filter Duke, although the engine runs and revs up fine in park. It doesn't have any intermitent electrical feeling of loss power, it's more of a starving for fuel, maybe the fuel pump diapham. I'll get back to it tomorrow. Thank you all.

[Bob R.]

Re: 63 Power Loss

One other item you might want to check. The hose from the vacumm advance to the carb. If it slips off or is cracked it can cause the symptoms you described.

[Jim T.]

Re: 63 Power Loss

Probably not your problem, but it was with my 64 convertible once. Remove the distributor cap check that the centrificial advance is not rusted at the pivot points. My 64 had so much rust/dirt on the pivit points that the advance would stick open. It was only 4 years old at the time. That thought me regular maint on the centrifical advance and have used Blue Streak point rubbing block grease after every cleaning to prevent wear, I only use a very, very light application.

[Lyle Hayer]

Re: 63 Power Loss

Thankx all, running smooth again.
Lyle

[Harry Sadlock]

Re: 63 Power Loss

What was the fix?????

[Lyle Hayer]

Re: 63 Power Loss

Memory Loss..... The carb filter I swore I replaced last oil change.