1961 Other Chevrolet Models engine problems

1959CHEVY

MEMBER
1961 CHEVROLET

Engine Performance problem
1961 Other Chevrolet Models V8 Two Wheel Drive Automatic 100k+ miles

Hi I own a 59 chevy with a 81 v8 305 engine in it. I recently add a new 800 holley on it and it has been running poor with engine shaking and stalling. I checked the timing on it and now it doesn't want to start after moving the distributor. I did a compression test on it and all 8 were between 181-194 psi; am not sure if that's really good or not. Now my mechanic said it could be the cyl heads or the distributor because cyl # 1 is not making a connection; but theirs new spark plug and wire on it(less then a year old). I've been trying to find out what's the problem for past month and have run out of ideas. The engine is stock from 81 and I know that that carb is too big for that engine to take but it's the only one I had to put on. An suggestions whole be really helpful thanks.

1 Reply

MHPAUTOS

MECHANIC
31,937 POSTS

Hi there,

Firstly that carby is way to rich for that engine, but if it is all you have then you will have to work with it, I would be checking that the ignition timing is ok, you can do a static test, remove the spark plugs and fit a test light to the Neg side of the coil, with the ignition on, turn the engine over by hand and when near TDC No 1, slow down and when the test light turns on, that is ignition firing, check the timing mare and see what it reads, start here.

Mark (mhpautos)