Just bought 77 t

CRICKETT069

MEMBER
1977 PONTIAC TRANS AM
150,000 MILES

Just bought 77 t.A. 2 months ago, car hasnt given any indication of any isues, I am an industrial mechanic by trade (weld/fab, elec, hyd) and usually do not have problems finding issues but this one has stumped me. Was spinning wheels in grass in my yard and hit the rev limiter in 1st gear while doing so, the next day I hit the road and thought I may have fauled a plug, replaced plugs (8) and did not correct the issue. Checked distributer for cracks and button, tested plug wires at spark plugs and all were firing. Getting a small push back at carb. And light ticking at mid rev. Is my issue carb, timing or internal, dont know where to begin on this one

7 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,896 POSTS

Is the engine missing? Was it missing after you were spinning? Have you checked to make sure none of the plug wires are arcing?

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Friday, March 22nd, 2013 AT 12:50 AM

ASEMASTER6371

MECHANIC
52,797 POSTS

First, never heard of a rev limiter on any of those models. I used to crank up my gta to 8500 or better.

I would start with a compression test. Then I would remove the valve covers to see the actions of the rocker arms. Did you replace the plugs?

Roy

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Friday, March 22nd, 2013 AT 12:51 AM

CRICKETT069

MEMBER
4 POSTS

Yeah, engine is missing, yes, I did check wires with tester but not for possible mid body wire arching and I did also replace all 8 plugs, started missing right after taching it up in my yard, may not have rev limiter (thought it did but I could be wrong) first f body ive owned this old! Will idle and drive but very rough, hood shaker moving irratically during idle

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Friday, March 22nd, 2013 AT 1:15 AM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,896 POSTS

If you have a rough idle (dead miss) use an insulated set of pliers (so you don't get shocked) and remove one plug wire at a time. The engine should miss worse each time you do it. Eventually, you will remove one and there will be no change. That is the cylinder you need to focus on. Check for a good spark to the plug, check compression.

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Friday, March 22nd, 2013 AT 1:20 AM

CRICKETT069

MEMBER
4 POSTS

Ok, considered doing this already but wasnt looking forward to the possible shock, fixing to run out side and do this but what is causing the ticking noise at mid range? What should I be looking for at rocker arms as per earlier response