power under acceleration

[TomFromStLouis]

This has happened a couple times recently, so it is time to ask. The car is plenty warmed up and sputters when accelerating hard in second or third gear, especially near the higher revs. The throttle is at or near the floor and the engine seems to miss just a few times, enough to keep from maximizing acceleration but not enough to keep from gaining speed. I recently had the carbs tuned and in many ways they work better than ever, but perhaps I have a fuel/air mixture issue? or is it something inside the engine itself? What would you look at? Thanks in advance - I appreciate all input!

 

[drambuie]

Sounds like this issue can be traced to the ignition at first suspect. I would do a full tune and check that the timing is set correctly, point gap, coil, cap, rotor, Plugs and wires...ect. Check for any loose ignition connections as well. However if you upgraded with a electronic ignition then I would defiantly check it out. The carbs would be my next thing to check, float level and mixture setting and dirty fuel filter.

 

[johnea]

I have had similar symptoms twice: misfiring at higher revs. It turned out to be the condensor sitting somewhat loose on the base plate in the distributor.

 

[Keith_M]

These are all good suggestions. I would add two. Check the oil level in your carbs and check to see that your timing is advancing correctly as the rpm's go up.

 

[dougie]

Depending on how often you drive your car, stale gas can give you his effect, as well as, the new alcohol blends some states now sell.

 

[TomFromStLouis]

Thanks all. I will let you know what I learn.

I generally keep the oil in the carbs up to snuff. Will check condenser.

I make the enjoyable effort to use up a tank of gas at least every 2 or 3 months, so I doubt stale gas is my problem. All fuel around here is 10% ethanol.

I have returned to points; no Pertronix.

Checking the timing sounds like I'll need help.

 

[TomFromStLouis]

My mechanic found that my float bowls were poorly adjusted and that the engine was fuel starved at higher revs. Simple fix.

 

[John Turney]

Thanks for the feedback, Tom!

 

[DerekJ]

If it's more of an occasional misfire then its probably electrical. If it feels more like its dying before it recovers it could be fuel starvation. Check the fuel pump as well.

 

[oxford]

I had the problem with my MGA. Turned out to be modern spark plug leads. Once I replaced them with copper core, problem was fixed.
Matthew

 

[Randy Forbes]

One of the very rare intances where the carb problems weren't electrical

 

[AH100M]

I don't know. Maybe the lighting was too dim to set the float levels correctly...

 

[John Turney]

I don't know. Maybe the lighting was too dim to set the float levels correctly...

Yep, that'll do it.

 

[bob hughes]

What model Healey do you have and what are the carbs?



Bob

 

[AH100M]

Atkins fuel injection - no carbs.

I know, I'm sorry...

 

[John Turney]

What model Healey do you have and what are the carbs?



Bob

Don't know who you're asking, but mine is a BN4 with HD8s (and a much-modified 3000 engine).