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A few months ago, I posted a request for advice in diagnosing a misfire in my L-79. I received some very helpful responses and I would like to share the results of this adventure in the hope that the information may be useful to others.
The problem started immediately after the engine backfired during a cold start. The engine would then start easily and idle smoothly, but would not accept load. It felt like four plug wires had been randomly diconnected.
First, I checked for a bad power valve, checked for vaccuum leaks and replaced the condenser. The pesky problem persisted. I then replaced the points, cap, rotor, coil, spark plugs, vaccuum advance cannister, pcv valve (and oil filler tube when the welds holding the threaded boss broke while removing the old pcv valve). Lots of time, lots of money, still no luck. I then bought a new set of plug wires and a Holley rebuild kit for the aging, delicate 3605A.
The guy who wrote Rule Number 1 - "Don't touch the carburetor until you are sure the ignition system is perfect" never changed plug wires on a midyear. Seeking the path of least grief, I set aside the box of plug wires, opened the Holley kit - and found salvation. The instruction sheet had a list of troubleshooting tips. One of which said "If your car runs like four plug wires have been randomly disconnected, check the main air bleeds." or something to that effect.
Thirty seconds,and four squirts of carb cleaner later, the desired harmonius relationship between man and (functioning) Corvette was reestablished.
The problem started immediately after the engine backfired during a cold start. The engine would then start easily and idle smoothly, but would not accept load. It felt like four plug wires had been randomly diconnected.
First, I checked for a bad power valve, checked for vaccuum leaks and replaced the condenser. The pesky problem persisted. I then replaced the points, cap, rotor, coil, spark plugs, vaccuum advance cannister, pcv valve (and oil filler tube when the welds holding the threaded boss broke while removing the old pcv valve). Lots of time, lots of money, still no luck. I then bought a new set of plug wires and a Holley rebuild kit for the aging, delicate 3605A.
The guy who wrote Rule Number 1 - "Don't touch the carburetor until you are sure the ignition system is perfect" never changed plug wires on a midyear. Seeking the path of least grief, I set aside the box of plug wires, opened the Holley kit - and found salvation. The instruction sheet had a list of troubleshooting tips. One of which said "If your car runs like four plug wires have been randomly disconnected, check the main air bleeds." or something to that effect.
Thirty seconds,and four squirts of carb cleaner later, the desired harmonius relationship between man and (functioning) Corvette was reestablished.