The engine cuts out above 4,000 rpm when being pushed hard Options

[shag]

When the engine is just cruising along and I am in no hurry the car runs fine. When I have the accelerator floored and am taking the engine to the maximum rpm's it begins to cut out at approximately 4,000 rpm. This had happened twice before and I changed the fuel filter, which was extremely clogged, and that fixed the problem. This past winter I removed the fuel tank and had it cleaned out and coated with some kind of reddish substance that seemed great. When I replaced the fuel tank I installed a tubular screen about 4 inches long inside the tank, a new fuel filter between the fuel tank and the fuel pump and replaced the original fuel filter which is near the right rear wheel. I thought I had done more than enough to prevent this from happening again especially since I am preparing the car for Octeenerfest. Wrong again! The car started cutting out again at high rpm's just like before. This time I took the car to Derrick Sweger, who worked for Steve Lindell for many years and has rightfully inherited his business, though is not operating yet was kind enough to lend me a hand. He replace the filter near the rear wheel and then he started on the front filter. The filter on the front was a style that has the clear plastic body around the paper like insides and it looked like it did when I installed it. It was the fuel line that had a sharp bend in it that we thought was causing the problem. Derrick had a 90 degree piece of tubing that took care of the problem. He told me to call him with the results. Approximitely 3 miles down the road I floored the pedal and the exact same problem prevailed. So now I would like to certainly have this fixed before Octeenerfest. What do you guys think is the problem?

[shag]

I would like to thank you for your replies. My reply to your replies is:

Emery: My distributor was change out with ( I believe ) what is called an electronic distributor years ago. All I really know is that there are no points, condenser etc. The engine has preformed very well through the years with it.
I am not familiar with term "stuck weights". If you could explain what that means I would appreciate it.

GregAmy: I don't think the problem is with the throttle or RPM it happens only when the engine is floored from about 2,000 RPM. I (currently) am not sure but I don't think the tachometer is doing anything crazy. But I will certainly check. I need to check the fuel pressure. To do that I have to wait for my friend Bob, who owns a guage, to help.

Dave Darling: I am not sure but it seems to me that it is a lack of fuel causing the engine to cut out? I will certainly let you all know when this is fixed.


Meanwhile if you have any suggestions they would certainly be appreciated.

Thanks to all,
John

[GregAmy]

I am not familiar with term "stuck weights". If you could explain what that means I would appreciate it.

Sounds like you have a Pertronix (or similar) electronic points insert in the distributor.

The stock disty has internal mechanical weights that swing out as RPM rises, advancing the ignition timing. If these weights get stuck (light rust) and do not advance, then the car feels like it's not making power. It doesn't "cut out" like an ignition miss it just won't accelerate as you'd expect it to.

A widely overlooked maintenance item to avoid this is to lightly oil the weights. To do this, you'll remove the distributor cap and rotor and drop into the rotor shaft a couple drops of light oil, like 3-in-1. Even a thin motor oil would do. If you think the weights may be stuck/rusted, then a light penetrating oil such as PB Blaster or WD-40 should free them up and then follow up with some light oil. Don't overdo it, "a little dab'll do ya" (wow, that's an oldie).

The car originally came with a small foam-ish filter in top of the shaft to keep dust and dirt out, but that may be gone. If yours is there you can just drop in the oil on top of it, it'll find its way down. Dipping in a couple drops each year should keep that from happening again.

Try it, see what happens. - GA