The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop 1959 235 engine in my 1949 Chevrolet pickup

My engine lunges when starting out in first gear. It does not make any difference cold or warm. It runs great going down the road, but when starting out it really jerks, or if I slow down then shift into second and start out it lunges also. My neck can't take it anymore! Could this be a carb problem? The carburetor has been rebuilt, but the base shaft has a lot of play and tends to leak. I have checked the normal things such as points, plugs, timing , etc. Also, this engine only takes 4 quarts of oil. It does not have a filter. Is this normal?

Sounds like you might have a slipping clutch. When you require torque to gain momentum to start out or to build speed, the clutch might be slipping which causes lurching. You won't feel it when it is running at speed because less torque is required to maintain momentum than to build momentum and the clutch is probably holding under those conditions.

Matt

Thanks Matt!!
When I put the engine in I put a new clutch, pressure plate, and throw out bearing in. I also had the fly wheel resurfaced. There is about 5 inches of play in the pedal. Do you think taking out some of that play will help the situation? Thanks again for responding so quickly.
Bob

You might as well adjust the clutch pedal as described in the Shop Manual. 5" is too much play.

http://chevy.oldcarmanualproject.com/shop/1948_51truck/51ctsm0690.htm

Thanks! I will give it a try.