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1981 Chevy Malibu engine suddenly loses power

Tiny
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  • 1981 CHEVROLET MALIBU
  • V8
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 100,000 MILES
1981 Chevy Malibu with a 305 cubic inch engine with a two-barrel Carburetor. While driving at approximately 40-55 MPH engine suddenly loses power (no sounds/as if stalled). As the speed falls below 40, the engine kicks back on. This repeats if trying to accelerate again. I have replaced the fuel pump, rebuilt the carburetor, and changed the distributor and coil. While "power-braking" the engine, the fuel enters the carburetor for about one minute then the engine dies. It acts as if it is starving for fuel. Could a hose collapse from the fuel tank cause this condition? If not, what could?
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Wednesday, February 2nd, 2011 AT 7:12 PM

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Tiny
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Check for fuel in the carburetor when the engine dies after power braking to isolate the problem to the fuel system. Some possible causes include: 1. Cracked fuel hoses at the tank of pump, 2. Partially plugged fuel pick-up filter in the gas tank, 3. Incorrect gas tank cap causing a vacuum in tank, 4. Alternator diode failure allowing AC voltage to ignition coil. (Try test-driving with the alternator disconnected.), 5. Faulty ignition module in Distributor.
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Wednesday, February 2nd, 2011 AT 7:13 PM
Tiny
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The one thing I need to know is if you pump the gas pedal will it take off again? If so then it sounds like your carb, sometimes a rebuild dont work.
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Thursday, February 3rd, 2011 AT 1:52 AM

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