Need help with sputtering!!!! - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

davidson2100 · 07-31-2002, 07:00 PM

Yesterday my truck started sputtering on me when I started in drive, then as the day when on into today it got worse and now it is doing all of the time. It seems to sputter and even shake a little from the get go once I get to about 40 is doesn't do it. I have had no other problems lately and I want to get this under control before something bad happens (this is my dialy driver). Today I changed the outer fuel filter cleaned carb out a little changed air filter. I have a 350 with 4 bbl elderbrock. Any help or suggestions at all would be very appreciated. It almost seems like it is not getting enough gas and is losing power as well. HELP

Maximum Overdrive · 07-31-2002, 07:28 PM

When this has happened to me it has always been the filter. How hot is it when doing this. If it is hot enough it may be vapor locking. I'm sure someone will have some idea.

Gordo · 07-31-2002, 08:49 PM

I'd start with a good basic tune-up including plugs, points and condensor, (unless it's an HEI) cap, rotor and wires. If it still has a problem take a compression test and adjust valves.

ChevLoRay · 07-31-2002, 08:52 PM

Does it do when you floor it? If not, you probably have a vacuum leak. Try putting your hand(s) over the carburetor airhorn while it is running. If it smooths out, you have a vacuum leak. If you have replaced the fuel filter(s), and you don't have a vacuum leak, look for an ignition problem. Sometimes wires short between each other (spark jumps) and cause this. If you can park it in a dark location at night, fire it up and see if you see fire jumping between plug wires. Also, carbs that run rich can cause plugs to foul and do the same thing. As you can see, there are a number of things to check. When you are dealing with problems like this, you get a variety of possible answers. Good Luck.

BLACK AND BLUE 67-72 · 07-31-2002, 09:50 PM

Check Plugs, Wires, Dist. Cap, Rotor, That is what it sounds like it may be.

davidson2100 · 07-31-2002, 10:06 PM

Thanks for the tips, I will check it out this weekend and get back to ya all.
Todd

07-31-2002, 07:00 PM	#1
davidson2100 Registered User Join Date: May 2002 Location: San Antonio, Texas, USA Posts: 93	Need help with sputtering!!!! Yesterday my truck started sputtering on me when I started in drive, then as the day when on into today it got worse and now it is doing all of the time. It seems to sputter and even shake a little from the get go once I get to about 40 is doesn't do it. I have had no other problems lately and I want to get this under control before something bad happens (this is my dialy driver). Today I changed the outer fuel filter cleaned carb out a little changed air filter. I have a 350 with 4 bbl elderbrock. Any help or suggestions at all would be very appreciated. It almost seems like it is not getting enough gas and is losing power as well. HELP __________________ Todd Davidson 1972 Chevrolet LWB 4x4 San Antonio, TX

07-31-2002, 07:28 PM	#2
Maximum Overdrive December 21, 2012 Join Date: Apr 2000 Location: Black Eagle, Montana Posts: 1,633	When this has happened to me it has always been the filter. How hot is it when doing this. If it is hot enough it may be vapor locking. I'm sure someone will have some idea. __________________ *"!Ama Sua, Ama Kjella, Ama Lllulla!"*

07-31-2002, 08:49 PM	#3
Gordo Registered User Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Killingworth, CT. USA Posts: 3,378	I'd start with a good basic tune-up including plugs, points and condensor, (unless it's an HEI) cap, rotor and wires. If it still has a problem take a compression test and adjust valves. __________________ 1971 C10 swb stepside 350/700R4/3.73posi (retired as of 4/22/03) 1998 S10 short bed 2002 S10 Blazer 1942 Oldsmobile 1958 Massey Harris Pony 1951 Wife Killingworth, Connecticut May those who love us, love us, any of those who do not love us, may God turn their hearts. And if God is unable to turn their hearts, may he turn their ankles so we may know them by their limping. A man who works with his hands is a laborer; a man who works with his hands and his brain is a craftsman; but a man who works with his hands and his brain and his heart is an artist.

07-31-2002, 08:52 PM	#4
ChevLoRay Old Skool Club Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Benton, AR "The Heart of Arkansas" Posts: 10,880	Does it do when you floor it? If not, you probably have a vacuum leak. Try putting your hand(s) over the carburetor airhorn while it is running. If it smooths out, you have a vacuum leak. If you have replaced the fuel filter(s), and you don't have a vacuum leak, look for an ignition problem. Sometimes wires short between each other (spark jumps) and cause this. If you can park it in a dark location at night, fire it up and see if you see fire jumping between plug wires. Also, carbs that run rich can cause plugs to foul and do the same thing. As you can see, there are a number of things to check. When you are dealing with problems like this, you get a variety of possible answers. Good Luck. __________________ Member Nr. 2770 '96 GMC Sportside; 4.3/SLT - Daily driven....constantly needs washed. '69 C-10 SWB; 350/TH400 - in limbo The older I get, the better I was.

07-31-2002, 09:50 PM	#5
BLACK AND BLUE 67-72 Firefighter Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: Yellville, Ar, USA Posts: 1,943	Check Plugs, Wires, Dist. Cap, Rotor, That is what it sounds like it may be. __________________ '72 Chevy SWB 350 Auto '67 GMC LWB 350 4 speed '70 Chevy 4x4 Stepside 350 Auto Yellville, Ar. USA

07-31-2002, 10:06 PM	#6
davidson2100 Registered User Join Date: May 2002 Location: San Antonio, Texas, USA Posts: 93	thanks Thanks for the tips, I will check it out this weekend and get back to ya all. Todd __________________ Todd Davidson 1972 Chevrolet LWB 4x4 San Antonio, TX



Register or Log In To remove these advertisements.

Register or Log In To remove these advertisements.