Need help!

[Puyallup68C20]

Ok, this just started today. My truck has a 327 and TH400, today on the freeway once I get past 50mph or so it looses its power to the wheels and I have trouble getting up to freeway speeds. It happened on the way home as well. The freeway on ramp is uphill, and I can get to 50mph normal as ever but past that it just looses the power to pull any higher. 50mph and below around town, no problems. It does burn oil. It is my daily and has been doing fine for months, just replaced plugs,wires,cap,rotor a few days ago... I'm not sure how to fix this? All responses greatly appreciated!

[cdowns]

have you changed fuel filter// do you notice whooshing when removing cascap? might need a tankcleaning? have you cleaned or replaced your points and set the gap/dwell?

[Puyallup68C20]

Yeah, I forgot to mention that I did change the fuel filter a few days ago as well. We were tinkering with the points almost putting in a new electronic ignition but we didnt due to my dist having too much give in it for the electronic version. I am sure its the original tank, but I haven't had any fuss from it yet till now if that is the issue. I will go now and check the gas cap for a whoosh. Just checked the cap and no whooshing noises. The cap is old though, perhaps it isn't creating enough of a vacuum at high speeds now due to rubber deterioration?

[67vetteal]

How was it running prior to Tune Up? A Compression Test is in order. Al W.

[mclairmo]

Check tranny fluid level. Is air filter clean? Check cylinder compression, too. Is choke plate open all the way when warmed up?

[Puyallup68C20]

I check the fluids each time before I drive it. All fluids are good, I put a K&N air filter on it when I got it. Perhaps I have lost compression somewhere, choke plate all the way open when warm. Prior to tune up was running at about 70% due to timing and plugs wires being old and off. After tune up felt like 100% engine, perhaps too much of a power increase caused something to blow a hole and now I've lost compression somewhere? I plan on doing a full rebuild in June when I have enough funds and some time off work.

[cdowns]

what exactly is tinkering with the points? did you set the gap to specs or???

[Puyallup68C20]

We/ I set the spark plug gaps to 3.5ish. As for timing I was relying on my mechanic buddy, we drove it around the block and it seemed great, I drove it on the freeway that day and it was wonderful, but today something has changed? I could be way off base, I'm sorry I am a rookie to all of this and I only know the basics. So it could be that I need to adjust my dist and its bits a bit to get back to where I was?

[cdowns]

a young guy who wants to learn could get alot of use from a factory service manual// they're available from most board vendors at very cheap rates and they're packed with great info// alot better investment than any magizine you're likely to buy

[Puyallup68C20]

Originally Posted by cdowns

a young guy who wants to learn could get alot of use from a factory service manual// they're available from most board vendors at very cheap rates and they're packed with great info// alot better investment than any magizine you're likely to buy

Great Idea! I am tired of having to have to look to others for help with my problems. I will try and score one tonight and figure out this nonsense!

[tim21391]

well i got the same problem as you with my hei.. but when i was running points it did the same thing.. shots were shot.. dwell was off.. so i put new points in and set dwell to 15 whatever and it fixed my problem... i betcha its the points.. like when it did it to me.. i gassed hard got great acceleration and then once it got to a speed it stopped.. then it would lurch back and forth and then stall.. but if u were to go to neutral and rev its got plenty of balls.. so thats my guess is points need sand paper ran threw them or a new set installed

[tim21391]

i was told on mine my 4 barrels wernt opening are u running a 2 or 4?