79 malibu acceleration problem

ok i ruled out a couple of possible solutions in fixing the acceleration problem my malibu has. replaced the fuel filters, oils are fine and everything looks in place and in pretty good shape. my malibu accelerates very very sluggish till the point where it turns off if i continue to press the gas at the 2nd going into the 3rd gear. it has a 305 eng. and 200 trans. THANKS!


Register now (free) or login to remove ads

Your fuel pump may be giving up the ghost or your timing may need to be adjusted, just a few things to check out.

Check the vacuum advance on the distributor, with the engine at idle, pull the vacuum line going to the vac advance canister, you should hear the engine idle drop, if not the canister is ruptured. Also check and make sure that it`s pulling vacuum at idle, if not it should be, this will make acceleration sluggish. Also check it for vacuum leaks through out. How long has it been since the engine was tuned up? is the factory exhaust still on the car? is the cat converter still in use?

what does giving up the ghost mean?...why would the timing need readjustment? just curious. i will def. check the timing tho.THANKS! appreciate it much.

im only a novice mechanic and sorry to say that what u said bout the distributor is a tad bit confusing. i learn very fast tho. what exactly is tuning up the engine? to a list a few things, ive changed the oil, both trans and engine oil lately, has exhaust system that was installed within a year ago including the cat. converter, etc.

What I said earlier is to start with the basics. As far as the distributor I wouldn't necessarily dig into it too much but just to make sure that it isn't loose, I've seen where over time the distributor vibrates loose and the engine timing gets off and the more retarted the timing is the more sluggish the engine will run, but advance it too much and the engine may be hard starting, run too far advanced for too long and will cause catastrophic engine failure. As far as the fuel pump, a pump can have decent pressure and not have enough volume to keep up with the demand for fuel. It's usually something simple. Good luck.

at most auto parts stores, they have OK books on chevy motors.alot of guys out there say they are junk, but they are good for novice and shade tree mechanics.been working on cars 45 years now, still using them for reference.old brain cant keep EVERYTHING..booze and chicks ..gotta stay..some car info is in the books.... everything you need to know should be in book,how to read sparkplugs-set timing- set carb- vacuum lines ..ect...read it and you should be good..these guys are experts at helping you tweak your tuneup
ps...check accelerator pump-carb
pps...tune-up-install new spark plugs-set timing-set carb-ect..too bad in high school, they don't teach auto shop any more,it was required when i went. typing wasn't and i am still typing with one finger ..type 1 letter then serch for another letter,type 1, serch ect..ect..