linderpat

Blumaxx is running sluggishly lately, primarily at lower speeds. Idle revs are fine, if just a tad high at 800 rpm. Oil pressure is good. The car feels sluggish when pulling out from a stop, at a light or intersection or whatever. Once moving, it feels strong. I don't hear any missing or anthing like that. It's just when I start out, it doesn't feel like it wants to jump like it did previously.
The gas is good. I've run a couple of tanks, and also put in Techron.
Any thoughts? Plug wires/plugs? Other things?

brutus

Maybe the advance pod on the distributor is not advancing the timing as it should. Check with timing light.

Jadz928

What is the history on the plug wires?

Seemingly good looking plug wires hide serious nastiness inside.

linderpat

Not sure I understand. I'll look in the wsm and see if I can figure this out.

Plug wires are old. Probably time for a complete tune up in any event.
My grounds are all good. They're clean. I don't think it's a vacume leak either.

Jadz928

Plug wires are old. Probably time for a complete tune up in any event.
My grounds are all good. They're clean. I don't think it's a vacume leak either.[/QUOTE]

Ed,
Pull a couple plug wires, unscrew the ends and take a looksee. You might find the terminals don't want to unscrew and you may find the screw terminals will want to break off easy. So only do this when you are prepared for the to easily break.

brutus

A bad plug lead gives you a hard miss which you feel under full throttle as it skiups a beat. Ignition timing or cam timing changes how the car accelerates.

NordicSaab

Sounds like the car is running rich off idle.

Could be due to a mechanical issue with the throttle body. I would check your throttle linkage and cable. Slop in the linkage can make the car feel weak and non responsive.

linderpat

what plugs do most recommend?

Jadz928

^^^
Stock Bosch. Nothing fancy.

Mongo

Wow I am dealing with a hard bucking or skipping during acceleration as well. I just put a thread up. I may go change the plugs for the hell of it and see what happens.

depami

Could be lack of methane.

Go to RW and follow instructions there.

SMTCapeCod

As is often the case, I like Brutus' inclination. Check the timing and check the vacuum line to the advance module.
With fuel- depends on degree of severity but too rich can give a fuel odor and/or black smoke out the tailpipe..and a stumble perhaps down low. Too lean can bring the detonation but that can be tough to hear if not severe.

IIRC 78 does not have a vacuum enrichment signal.

brutus

thought the CIS control press reg/warm up reg had a vacuum line to adjust mixture under load ..."IIRC 78 does not have a vacuum enrichment signal." But I am still betting on a timing problem given the symptoms.

linderpat

Running strong now. Replaced the plugs with Bosch platinum, plug wires with Beru, new rotor, cleaned everything up inside of the distributor cap, new air filter, running good now. Old wires were the originals, and maybe the plugs too? Anyway, they were not black coated, or too toasted. Car idles perfectly at 750 rpm. Accelerates nice even at low speeds again, and pulls like a freight train in all ranges.
Thanks to Rick (Wyatt's ride) for coming by on short notice and lending a hand.

Bill Ball

More proof regular maintenance is key. Glad the BWAAAAHHHH is back.