As I've started messing around with my Skylark over the past few weeks, I've noticed that the engine seems to miss under certain circumstances. Its not all the time, just when the engine is cold, idling, or going up hills. I'm far to dumb to fix it myself, and far too poor to have a mechanic check it out. So I was wondering; Are there any easy tests to find out if the engine is missing, in which cylinder, and why, that don't require a lot of tools or experience? Thanks ~Mike "No Tools or Experience" Bills '66 Skylark 340-4
Check the spark plugs(no gunk/broken or cracked/melted)+wires(dry rotted/cracked/cut) and the distributor, replace if possible. Probably the first thing to check if you're misfiring.
Definitely check/replace the cap/rotor/points/plugs/wires/coil if you want to cover 90% of the possible causes. Anyone can replace that stuff with a simple socket set and flat tip screwdriver. After that it's going to get expensive. Could be the distributor gear's teeth, or timing chain. But let's hope it's just something simple.
Use a timing light and start with the pickup on cyl #1 wire. Watch the light fire as you slowly raise the rpms at the carb Repeat going through all the cyl's looking for the light not to flash evenly - this will be your weak one.
I checked all the wires for conductivity, and they all seemed to be working fine. I was going to check the plugs, but that turned out harder than you'd think. They're really "olded" in, and there's no way to get any leverage on them in that cramped of a space, I busted my hand wide open several times trying. I'd like to try checking with a timing light... but I really lack the knowledge. Anyone in the mood to explain it to me? ~Mike
Oh, by the way, when the engine's idling, you can hear a distinct hiss comming from the frontal area of the intake... might that mean anything?
Might be a vacuum leak. Check the rubber hoses for cracks/splits, that might even be screwing up the carb and causing the sputter.
If you think you have a leak in the intake gasket or carb base gasket, get some starting fluid and spray in the area of the hiss. DO NOT spray very much!!! If there is a leak on the intake side, your rpm's will increase when it is sucked into the intake. Let me say this again. DO NOT SPRAY TOO MUCH STARTER FLUID!!!!! Just a short squirt from the can should do it, but be careful!!
Just so I know, before I try this... why do I have to be careful not to use too much starter fluid??? :eek2: ~Mike '66 Skylark 340-4
It would be the same as pouring gas down your carb, big bang, big flame, etc. A couple spritzes is all you need to see, just don't sit there spraying until the can is empty.
Exactly!! Big boom. Starting fluid is very volatile. More so than gas. It required a lot less to light up, thus easier to start an engine. So just give it a little spritz. If the engine does not rev up, there is no leak. No need to spray more.
Check all the vacuum hoses. You may have one off or split. You can use a spray can of carb cleaner to locate leaks. Use the little hose and lightly spray the gaskets on the carb and intake. If you can't get the plugs out look for a tune-up coupon. For about $70 you can get a tune up. They should replace the plugs and "scope" it for that. Scope would be check wires, timing, dwell and adjust carb. You may want them to replace the points and set the dwell. They will try to up sell you. Tell them to make a list of the parts needed and why. Tell them you can not afford the additional work at this time. If you like their work take it back when you can afford it. Or go get the parts and a service manual and do it yourself. HTH John
