Help with my m38

[Bill_F]

Ok here is my problem. The m38 runs well at idle. Takes off a little sluggish goes through first gear great, into 2nd it works well, hit 3rd and it just kinds of looses power, wont go any faster and wont really climp the smallest of hills. Adjust the timming and it seems to get better in 3rd but will not start, move the dist back and fires right up. I am thinking maybe my mechanical advance is not working right. I installed an NOS dist, and the carb is rebuilt and seems to be working better now that I installed the spring the right way.

[moneypit]

you say it is a nos distributer. could it be advance springs are still covered with cosmoline goop and therefore not expanding (advancing timing)put a timing light on it and see if timing mark advances as you bring up rpms

[gamillerman]

Have you looked at the trouble shooting list under "lack of power" or "no power" heading. Thats the best place to start. Your fuel pump could also be the culprit. I have seen engines start and idle great and fun fairly well in the lower gears until you go to high and then it dies due to a lack of enough fuel being provided by the pump.

[wesk]

1-Finish checking timing. Using a timing light. Your basic timing should be set at 5 Degrees BTDC @ 600 RPM and the centrifugal advance should be an additional 11 degress at 2000 RPM

2-Make sure your exhaust is not restricted.

3-Make sure your intake is not restriced. Something as simple as the wrong carb base gasket restricting the throat size or the choke plate not fully open can cause your symptoms.

4-Insure you have the correct metering rod installed in the carb and the correct spring on it.

5-Make sure the float level is correct.

6-Make sure the fuel pump output flow and pressure is correct.

It's important that you do not assume anything. Especially do not assume a new part or an NOS part is functioning correctly or has the proper internal adjustments.
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[wesk]

Step by step timing procedures are on our web site. All you do to check the centrifugal advance using the timing light that you just set basic timing with is advance the RPM to 2000 and you should see the timing mark move to a point three times the distance from TDC to 5 Deg BTDC marks.

Since two different versions of the heat riser can be fitted to the L134 exhaust you will need to provide a closeup photo of your valve's arm and spring.

[Bill_F]

Might have found one of my problems. A big crack in my intake manifold. About 5 to 6 inches long