440 running rough

[Chipstar]

Hi gang. The last time I had my car out for a cruise, about half way through the ride I noticed a lot of vibration coming from the motor and shaking the whole car. I parked it back at home and let it sit for a few weeks. Just getting around to checking it out again and of course the problem hasn't gone away. Is this caused by a misfire, or something more sinister?

Link to when it was running smooth:


Only engine modifications I'm aware of is a Mallory dual point distributor, an Edelbrock intake and 650 carb.

How it's running now:

 

[gdrill]

Sounds like it has a cam now. Did it wipe a lobe?

 

[khryslerkid]

Do you have a gas filter on it? Might have a little moisture in the fuel, or dirt. Are you running E-free?

Points might be closing up. Could check them.

Think simple things first. You know I don't live far. I saw you come through Hanover a couple of months back.

 

[Chipstar]

Sounds like it has a cam now. Did it wipe a lobe?

Yeah it does sound cammed now. Not sure I understand what you mean by wipe a lobe?

 

[Chipstar]

Do you have a gas filter on it? Might have a little moisture in the fuel, or dirt. Are you running E-free?

Points might be closing up. Could check them.

Think simple things first. You know I don't live far. I saw you come through Hanover a couple of months back.

Thanks for helping me keep perspective, Khryslerkid. Any tips on checking the points? What am I looking for and how would I adjust?

 

[69 Sleeper Bee]

Sounds like a dead cylinder from no spark. Check points / cap / spark plugs

 

[khryslerkid]

Thanks for helping me keep perspective, Khryslerkid. Any tips on checking the points? What am I looking for and how would I adjust?

Well you could set each set of points with a feeler guage, .016 to .018 might get you close but the accurate way is with a dwell meter. You set the primary set with a piece of cardboard in between the secondary set. Set the primary to 32 to 34 degs. Then remove the cardboard from the secondary set and adjust that set until you get 32 to 34 deg total. You do this while cranking the engine with a remote starter button hooked up to the starter relay, distributor cap removed.

You can do an inspection to see if you have a gap on each set of points with the cap and button removed. Remove the coil wire from the coil and have someone crank the engine while you watch the points open and close.

 

[Don Frelier]

Two simple methods to check for a cylinder not firing:
1. Engine cold start it for about 10-15 seconds then shut it off. Touch the exhaust manifold near each cylinder. If it's cold then that one has a problem.
2. With some heavy rubber gloves pull one plug wire at a time and note a change in engine speed and sound. If you pull a wire and it doesn't change then again that cylinder has a problem.
I agree with the keep it simple approach. Could be points or a fuel problem.

Good luck with it.

 

[multimopes]

You asked for the easiest things first so........................

You know I don't live far. I saw you come through Hanover a couple of months back.

Due to his post; the actually easiest thing for you to do is take up John, (Kryslerkid), on his offer! LOL