Sputtering under load

[Worden18]

Hey everyone, I'm having a little trouble with the Meadowbrook.  I can't hardly accelerate without it sputtering heavily like it's going to die.  At first I thought I was out of gas.  Not so; just filled up, still had 7 gallons in the tank.  But it seems like a fuel delivery issue.  I haven't pulled a plug yet because I just limped it back home and its hot.  Plugs, points, etc. were all replaced roughly about 1000 miles ago.  

The car idles perfectly, and up until this point was running better than ever.  I wonder if my fuel pump is on the fritz?  Any initial thoughts?  I always appreciate everyone's help.

[Plymouthy Adams]

check condenser......

[allbizz49]

Fuel filter? A multitude of things can cause your condition. Fuel pumps typically work or don't work. If it was bad, you wouldn't be getting fuel at all. 

[oldodge41]

I put points in my Dart once and after running great for a while it started doing what you describe. I actually changed my fuel pump at a car show about 80 miles from home. Started home and it started again. Turned out to be a distributor issue. Dad suggested I replace the points and condenser, which I did alongside the road, and what I thought was a fuel problem was gone. Other than too much lube on the lobes we didn't find anything obvious with the parts, but the problem was gone. As someone on here used to say, a lot of fuel issues are electrical and vice versa. Mine idled and ran great on the level, even revved ok. But wouldn't go up hill.

 

[busycoupe]

Before taking things apart check the point gap with a dwell meter and the timing.  Thepoints may have slipped closed a little or the distributer could have slipped. Either would cause the symptons you describe.

[greg g]

Take some low pressure compressed air and blow toward the gas tank from the fuel pump inlet.  Then do a flow quantity test.  

 

Disconnect the coil wire and the gas line at the carb. Direct the line into a soda bottle or similar.  Get some one to turn it over on the starter while you observe and count fuel pulses going into the bottle.  12 pulses should give you 8 or more ounces of gas in the bottle.  If less you have a fuel restriction or an air leak some where between the tank and pump.  Also, some of these pumps have a brass mesh filter screen between the two chambers of the pump.  Check there for debris, you will need to pull the pump to do so.

[John Reddie]

Check the little pigtail wire in the distributor that supplies electricity to the points. If the insulation wears through it can come in contact with the housing and short out. The engine will idle fine but when the distributor advances when you rev up the engine, it can cause symptoms like you describe. I had this happen and it drove me nuts until I stumbled on to this problem. Best of luck to you.

John R

[Worden18]

Okay fellas, I went with the super easy things first, all the while keeping in mind the things everyone was so kind to suggest.

First, my carb was loose, I mean really loose.  At the base, and where the adaptor meets the carb.  I went far too long before checking it for sure.  It was so loose one of the adapter bolts was missing the nut and washers.  Then I removed each plug and cleaned them. They looked pretty good, not overly cruddy or anything.  I was going to change the fuel filter and decided on looking into the distributor first.  Well guess what? Number five spark plug wire at the cap had worked itself off. Problem solved.  I will keep in mind all of the suggestions mentioned for future reference.  Thanks everyone.

[Sniper]

these old cars like a little loving on a regular basis.  Thanks for following up and letting us know.