I installed the motor less than 1,000 miles ago. It's had the stumbling/hesitation since day one. At first it had the points in the new distributor and I swapped those out for the electronic ignition hoping that would cure the issue. That's the only modification besides new exhaust system since the motor was installed. Had a major heating issue that finally got sorted out. When first running, I had a new Holley 600 on it and still hesitated.
I had a tune kit and just lightened up the springs and tested till the carb had enough fuel to overcome the lean. Worked most of the afternoon with springs and rods, but it was worth it. If that's not enough the weights can be changed to delay the secondaries. There were many different engine combinations that the Edelbrock covered when it was called the AFB back in the day and there were many different weights to work with.
Not sure. Hadn't checked that yet. Another thing I didn't mention, I do smell gas stronger than I think I should but no visible leaks.
From what you have written, It looks to me as if you have eliminated the carburetor as the problem. Tell us about your engine. Is it new, used, rebuilt, modified, do you know its history?
It's a stock remanufactured 302. No mods except electronic ignition, intake, carb, headers and duals.
Did this remanufactured 302 replace another 302? If so, how did that engine operate? Who was the rebuilder of your new 302? Also, what was your heating/cooling issue? I believe you have eliminated the electronic ignition as well since you wrote your new engine hesitated even with the points system.
The 302 I have in there now came from RockAuto. The long block was remanufactured by FAMOUS BRAND DF10R. It replaced the original 302 that came in the Maverick. The original motor ran fine until the water ports in the block clogged up with sludge and could not circulate water anymore. It was either replace or rebuild. The original motor was all stock including the original 2bbl. The over heating issue on the new motor was due to two things: Wrong temp thermostat and too small fan w/o shroud. Those things were corrected and it runs around 170-175 now.
Are there any idle issues at all with your engine, high idle speed, etc.? If you stab the throttle by hand does the engine bog or hesitate?
The engine idles great. The major stumbling/ hesitation/bogging only occurs when driving when under a load. When revving by hand, it bogs slightly but revs up nice.
I'm of the opinion both ignition and fuel systems are working properly based on your diagnosis. You did say the hesitation was there even with the points system? Who installed the intake manifold? Can you post some pictures of your engine compartment with air cleaner removed focusing on all the vacuum lines, ignition system, carburetor from different angles? The pictures might be helpful.
I just noticed you said you had a new distributor with both the points and electronic ignition. If I read that correctly, the new distributor itself was the same but the points and electronic ignition components were swapped out?
Yes. The distributor came with the points already installed. I swapped those out for the electronic ignition. Installed the correct coil for the application as to not void the warranty.
Do you still have your old points distributor from the previous engine you can reinstall? You did say your old engine ran fine with the old distributor, correct?
