My engine almost frieked me out

[cdiedrick_79]

Last Sunday was a nice day, so I took my 79 out for the first time this past year, its is still sitting at mom and dad's, so I can't really do anything to her now. I took her out, and couldn't resist beating on her a bit, slammed it into first at 40, and went into second at about 55, I was doing aver 4 grand, and it seemed like my engine completely cut out. First thought was oh no, valves are floating. let off the gas, and she ran fine. Just wondering what might have happened. No problems, just that one time thing. For those that don't know, its a 351M, with a 4bbl Holley, Edelbrock performer, mild cam, dont' have the specs with me, dual exhaust, bored 30 over. Any ideas, or could my ignition just have been acting up a bit also?

[Gearworks]

definetly sounds like a fuel pressure problem. You didnt mention if it smoked while it was acting up so heres some things to check...

1) float setting in the holley might be too low and youre running the bowls dry. if you would have continued on it most likely would have started surging, ie running on the pulses of the fuel pump. if it was smoking at the time it may be just the opposite.

2) check or replace the fuel pump. ideally with a carb you should have NO MORE than 6 psi and no less than 4psi.

3) Check the fuel filter.

4) and just in case all those work out good, check youre timing. both static AND full advance. you may need to raise the timing. 351M400's are very timing dependant.

paul

[marine165]

Yep, it sounds like fuel.
Before anything else more complicated, check your fuel filter. The one in this pice of crap S-10 pickup I'm driving until I get my Cougar back together is all but clogged, and will cut out and snort and buck if you try to accelerate too hard getting onto the highway, or drive it for any period of time going any faster than 70.
Lemme tell 'ya, a 2.8 V6 is NO 351 Windsor!

Mike

[cdiedrick_79]

Thanks guys, in a month or so I willl have the car at my house, and I will look her over a bit. Hindsight,I almost remember a slight backfire also, so I should double check the timing, but I also think its more fuel related, she was wrapped up, and a filter might not be abad thing to replace.
Chris

[bigbrownbird]

Chris,
Sounds like fuel, but paul is right timing is an important thing. my advice, a new fuel pump and filter is cheap insurance...

Lee