Hi guys,
I am way over my head on this one. I tried to take the '54 to town the other day, and got as far as my mailbox. The engine just seemed starved for fuel. Even when I stomped it to the floor, it didn't make any difference. Prior to this, I'd been driving it 2 times per week (50 - 100 miles at a time), and it ran like a dream. I replaced the fuel filter, thinking that would solve my problem. No luck.
Dad, Jim, and I spent all afternoon working on it yesterday. My engine is a 1975 305. The problem went from barely running when I parked it to not running at all yesterday. So, we cleaned the Rochester 4BBL, then replaced everything. No change. Had spark and good gas pressure from the pump. Engine cranked and cranked but wouldn't catch.
We recently replaced the plugs and wires, as well as the rotor, cap, points, and condensor. Yesterday we also checked for vacuum leaks and ensured, using the Haynes manual, that everything was hooked up properly. No change.
So, we replaced the carb with a used 4BBL Rochester we had from another truck. Then it would start (barely) and run - terribly - for a short period.
We're down to theorizing that the timing is screwed up. Any ideas or advice? Thanks guys!!!
