Rebuilt my 1966 289, timed it by ear (thanks for the help Soaring et al!), got a rebuilt motorcraft 2150 and got it dialed in to what sounds like the correct idle setting (screw them in until it starts to run poorly and then back them out until it hits the smoothest idle).
She starts fine and idles great, but there is very little power under load. When shifting from 2nd gear down to first the engine dies. My uncle and I thought it might be a vacuum leak issue, so I connected the vacuum advance line to the vacuum port on the lower passenger side of the carb and she runs better, but still has the same symptoms (albeit with marginally better power in first).
I've read that this is inadvisable as the harmonic balancers were mounted in rubber and can move over time. I also don't have a timing pointer, so its difficult to tell what timing I'm at.
all you did was set the mixture right on the carb, you didnt time your engine
losen the bolt holding down the distributor and turn the car on, twist the distributor both ways and try to find out where the best sounding idle is at and then drop it slightly below that
also think about buy an electronic ignition from pertronix, that helps alot and when your timing it just right you wont even have to give it gas to start.
Is your carb original to you, and had it rebuilt? Or did you buy a rebuilt carb from . . . ???? It sounds like carb issues. Do you have an automatic or manual?
I bought a stock carb that was rebuilt by a shop that specializes in carburetor rebuilds. The carb is from a 1966 ford mustang. My original carb developed "issues" after I removed it. ;)
The car starts fine and I timed it by rotating the distributor until I hit the smoothest and most stable idle.Thanks though!
Posts: 803
Joined: 6/14/2006 From: Fontana, California Status: offline
You can "power time" your dist by turning it to provide maximum RPM at around 2000 rpm. then reset the idle speed screw to get a good curb idle. some times though, you can get it too far advanced and cause pinging or hard starting.
I've tuned up alot of cars over the years and less than .00001 % had slipped balancers; so use of the light and an dwell meter to get your static timing issue set is always a good idea.
Another thought is that you have fuel starvation under load or a plugged exhaust system ( yes, it really happens), Check for a blocked fuel filter, low foat setting, fuel pump pressure and volume and a plugged exhaust pipe. ( a plugged exhaust system kind of whistles when you apply throttle) Good luck
Hey, thanks! 'll pick up a timing pointer (I have the light).
Starts fine though and no pinging.
There isn't any whistling, and the exhaust has been dismantled, cleaned and checked.
The main focus of my investigation right now is the carb. I'm going to check and calibrate the float level, and failing that eliminate other fuel supply issues. Anyone know what the ideal way to set the float is?
everyone was wrong! It ended up being that I'd not adjusted the valves properly. I followed the instructions in Monroe to the letter, but didn't realize that I had to do the procedure again after running it hot for a while. So, remember to adjust your valves again!!!
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rebuilt 289, low power, engine dying - 
RE: rebuilt 289, low power, engine dying - 
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