Can't get my RPM's up

[coffin1979]

Hello!

This is my second attempt at my first post. Apparently the system logs you out, if you take to long. Whoops

I'm a complete newbie to the auto world, so I'll try to be as specific and concise as possible. And I'll try to refrain from using terms such as doohickie, thing-a-majig, and fluginator. Bear with me....

I've just gotten a 76 spider which has been sitting for five or six years. After a fair amount of work (I had to finish the installation of a half-done electric fuel pump which is mounted between the tank and the tire in the trunk of the car... the previous owner had run the vent pipe through the pump, and it turned on as soon as I connected the battery terminals.... while the keys were in my pocket), I've gotten it running, and it idles fairly smoothly. On a side note, though, the pump is noisy at times, and the sound is inconsistent. Is this normal?? Also, I've got the pump wirred to the # 10 spot on the fuse box, so it comes on with the ignition. Any problems with that??

The trouble is, though, that as soon as I give it a bit of gas, the engine sputters and shakes, and I can't get the rpm's above 1500 or 2000 ish. So far I've changed the plugs, put in a new fuel filter, adjusted the timing (to 0 degrees as stated in my shop manual... I didn't use a dwell meter, but the dash gage said the rpm's were about 850-900), and attempted to adjust the carburetor idle speed screw (actually, this one was missing completely, so I used a bolt for now), and idle mixture screws as stated in the manual. None of the above seemed to make much of an improvement. When I manually push the throttle on the carburetor, I can see fuel being shot into the barrell nearest the fender on the drivers side. Whats the other one do?? Should I be able to see fuel in it?

Also.. The blow-by connection on the carb is not connected, and the EGR system (whatever that means;-) doesn't appear to be hooked up. Any ideas??

Thanks for all the help. You're awesome!!

[manoa matt]

The 76 spider came with an electric fuel pump in the trunk by the spare tire. It also came with a fuel pump relay and associated wiring. You should try to find the fuel pump relay and the wiring that went to the original pump. The original pump was a small vertically oriented cylinder gold in color with a red checker board decal. It should also have some small rubber mounts that isolate the vibration and hence the noise. It should have two wires, one short black one (the ground) that is attached to the body of the care close by, and a grey wire that powers the pump.

If its hooked up to the relay, then the pump will come on with the key in the on position, but will cut out after a few seconds if the car is not started. Also if the car shuts off, but electric is still on (as in an accident) then the pump will shut off because it is hooked to the oil pressure switch.

If the fuel pump noise is inconsitent and the car boggs down when trying to get the RPM's up it could be the sign of a failing pump.

Send me an email and I can send you the wiring diagram for the 1976. matt.scarton@gmail.com

[jimincalif]

I don't have a spider yet, but you mentioned not measuring the dwell. Back when I had a Fiat 128 nearly 30 years ago, it lost power like this a couple of times and in both cases I remember the dwell was off significantly and adjusting the points fixed the problem.

[mbouse]

any chance you have a F.I. fuel pump and not a carbureted fuel pump?

[So Cal Mark]

I'd agree to check the point gap, always start with the basics. Only the primary side of the pump nozzle is drilled, so you only get a fuel squirt on one side. It could be that you have a plugged main or low speed jet in the carburetor.
You can run the pump off an ign fuse. Varying noise from the pump usually means it's sucking air. Make sure the hose from the tank to the pump is in good condition and clamped tightly. You might also remove the sending unit and make sure the sock on the end isn't plugged and that the pipe on the sending unit doesn't have holes rusted through it

[coffin1979]

Thanks Guys.... I'll get to work, and report back. The help is much appreciated.
-nate

[Jazgeek]

I had a similar problem after having some body work done to my underside. The body guy found my gas line to be pretty much held together by the carpetting so he took it upon himself to replace it. nice of him. but he replaced it with what he had available in shop which was not the same size (diameter) as what was there before.

Therefore, I'd get it out of the shop and press the gas and she'd sputter, shake, and die on me.

long story short, fuel starvation because of not enough pressure getting the gas up to the engine.

of course, my car is fuel injected and may not be your same problem but it's worth a look I'd say.

[coffin1979]

Hello:

a quick update. I'm still having the same issues with the car. I seem to be getting plenty of fuel to the carburetor, and can see it being shot into the carb when I push the throttle.

In regards to ignition, the car has been converted to an electric ignition, and thus no points... Right?

Yesterday, though, the car suddenly died on me while it was idling. One of the times, I had a timing light hooked up, (it was attached to the positive on the coil), and when the car died, so did the light. Hence no spark... Right? It seems to be an intermittent issue, but could it be a sign that the coil is going out? The engine seems to turn over fine every time, but I can't always get a spark. I'm assuming that the battery cable is fine, since the juice seems to be making it up front, but have no idea what causes the spark to come and go as it pleases..... But its cramping my style. I cleaned off the connections on the coil, but it didn't seem to improve anthing. Also, the battery is brand new.

Given this info, should I be posting this in the electrical section??

Any ideas?? Thanks again!

[racydave]

Check the wires in the Distributor for the pick-up coil, they move, and will break!

[So Cal Mark]

what type of electronic ignition do you have? This sounds like either a module or pickup issue

[coffin1979]

Hi mark:

the ignition is a Crane Fireball xr700. And I'll check the wires in the distributor. Thanks for the replies.

All the best!
nate