Hey everyone. I'm new here but I've gone through all the threads and I can't find these specific issues. I'd appreciate it if some of you guys would share your wisdom.
I picked up a motorhome ('77 Covered Wagon w/ a 360) built on a Dodge Sportsman 1-ton chassis a couple weeks ago. I've noticed a couple weird things that it does that probably have simple explanations; I just don't know enough about them to figure it out.
1-When I step on the gas, there's some hesitation before the thing picks up and goes. With the doghouse and the air filter off, when I step on the gas I can hear it suck a ton of air before I hear it rev the engine. There's a split-second delay from when I hear the vacuum and when the RPM goes up. If I stomp the gas and instantly let go, it almost dies and then recovers.
2-I'm having trouble keeping gas in the lines. If it sits for more than a day or so I have to dump gas in the carb to get it to start. Any thoughts?
Thanks a lot for your time, folks.
Dodgevanman
09-11-2005, 03:20 PM
The hesitation in the carb. could be a worn out accelerator pump. A carb. of this age probably needs rebuilt or you can buy a rebuilt unit and stick it on.
The fuel problem could be a weak fuel pump not pumping gas effectively to the carb. Also check any rubber fuel lines for cracks and steel fuel lines for any rust-through.
bocephus
09-11-2005, 10:10 PM
carburator....what out for rebuilt ones...too many bs sweatshops throwing them together..If your core is good..check bushings at throttle plate..check air horn for square..etc.rebuild it yourself. or just use a new aftermarket..
tonepoetic
09-12-2005, 05:37 PM
Know of any resources for rebuilding a carb? I'm fairly new at this, but I've got a few mechanic friends who could help me out if I get stuck.
As for the fuel thing, I've never noticed a leak. The pump is new, as are all the rubber lines. I'll check the steel one today.
Thanks for the help, by the way.
bocephus
09-12-2005, 07:59 PM
I have never seen a good over the shelf rebuilt carb...co's like tomco and the like don't go through them thoroughly enough. Especially a quadrajet,which is what I believe came with your application..they can be tempermental..However when built right It is an incredible carb. I have had several street grocery getter buicks dipping into the 11's with quadrajets. You might consider an edlebrock / carter good carbs...one piece air horn and throttle plate= no leaks..holley's are ok..but are prone to leaking..
Chump
09-12-2005, 08:22 PM
Sounds like your carb needs some work. The best rebuilt carbs that I have found commercially are the ones that are remanufactured by Holley/Holley II.
Don't buy a TOMCO...they are rebuilt using a baseball bat!
http://www.holleyreman.com/categories.asp?division=Holley#67
www.thecarburetorshop.com
www.autozone.com
Dodgevanman
09-12-2005, 08:32 PM
For '77 I see that the 360 only came with a 2bbl. from the factory UNLESS the company that did the camper conversion upped it to a 4bbl.
In any case Bocephus is correct on the Edelbrock thing. I doubt you have any emissions components on that engine except for maybe an EGR valve. In my opinion, I'd yank that factory intake off and put on an Edelbrock Performer intake and Edelbrock 600cfm 4bbl. carb. with electrick choke.
Check out www.summitracing.com
bocephus
09-12-2005, 09:10 PM
Good idea....MY 85 had a quadrajet on it....don't know the transition from 2bbl to 4bbl..besides the intake and carb combo will make an improvement on responsiveness,certainly improve reliability...also consider dropping in a fresh set of lifters of you go that deep, really not much more work.and only about another hundred bucks
tonepoetic
09-14-2005, 03:25 PM
Thanks for the help, everyone. I will take a look around at what's available for how much.
