Huffin' and chuggin'

Jo Anna · 08-06-2005

OK, son just got the repaired starter back into the 72 GT and we took it out for a test drive in the dark last nite--he lives 100 miles from me and he is my mechanic--fledgling but getting very good. So we're both learning new things from the Opel. Before the starter crapped out three weeks ago, the beauty started huffin' and chuggin' on acceleration and eventually wouldn't hold an idle. Coincidentally, the starter pooped out and of course, with Opels, its always something, sometimes several "somethings" at once. I'd have to say that a GT is muore mysterious than any woman that ever lived! Anyway, he repositioned the distributor several times last nite and adjusted the mixture. There are three fuel filters and those are all new. We're stumped and I have him here only until supper time today. If we don't get this figured out, I don't drive my Opel and the sad part is I was only able to drive it for ONE WEEK after buying it. The clock is ticking and in this northern climate, the seasons are changing rapidly and it will be time to put the beauty to sleep for the winter.....any ideas for what we can do today to fix this? He's still asleep (its 8:30am) and I'd like some suggestions before I wake him up! And I know you guys are the ones who can help!
Thanks in advance.
jo

baz · 08-06-2005

first things that come to mind are check the points ,condenser and timing again just to be sure
then remove the lead from the coil to dizzy so the car will not start , then unhook the fuel line at the carb to see if you have flow when you crank the engine( it may have 3 filters but does it have flow ?)
if no flow it will be the pump or in the tank there is a little strainer to stop gunk getting to the pump (only trouble is it clogs)
to test take the fuel line off the pump from the tank over a container to catch spillage ,if you get a good flow the tank strainer is ok if not it needs to come out(a search will get you the info on removing it) , if you have flow then take the pump off and test (remember to plug the fuel line to stop the gas running out)

wrangler · 08-06-2005

I think Baz hit it right on the head... 3 fuel filters only means two more places to go bad along the fuel line. I know my past Opel did not like to get run too low on fuel then filled... think it might have been an idication of junk in the tank. Remember.. it only takes a tiny flake of rust to shut down a fuel filter. As Baz said, is very easy to check and eliminate.

GTJIM · 08-06-2005

A clagged up fuel tank can block new filters real quick and it is esay to check/replace them when you check the fuel flow.

However Huffing and Chugging usually point to incorrect ignition timing (may be a jammed advance mechanisim in the distributor) or improperly adjusted valve clearances.

The lack of fuel flow senario usually has the carb backfiring and spitting back out of the carb as the fuel/air mixture goes lean.

HTH

jordan · 08-06-2005

My old filter coming out of the tank was packed with rust, it weighed about twice as much as the new filter. And that is why my gt used to hesitate and bog at higher rpm's.

baronbors · 08-06-2005

You DID take the gas tank sock out-didn't you?

kwilford · 08-06-2005

I moved this to the "Tune Up" Forum until it heads in a certain direction (Hey Lempi, you know you CAN start a thread somewhere other than "Introductions", eh?)

Boy, it can be tough to troubleshoot long distance. Hmm, sounds like fuel or carb to me. Remind us, you have a Pertronix Ignitor, right? And a Weber 32/326 DGAV? And a mechanical fuel pump?

Any chance you have a vacuum leak? It usually only affects the idle and "off-idle" running, but...no, that isn't likely. I might try replacing each of those fuel filters with a length of hose to see if one or more are plugged. You say it started "...huffin' and chuggin' on acceleration and eventually wouldn't hold an idle." Only at low rpm, or also (or only) at high rpm? Is the carb flooding? Does it smell a lot like gas if you pop off the air cleaner after a run? Maybe the needle and seat are leaking.

Or lets look at ignition. One of my favourites are a bad spark plug. It can work OK at an idle, and then misfire under load. Then it gets bad enough to misfire at an idle. Try pulling the plugs after a run to see if one is fouled. Or it could be a fouled distributor cap or rotor. Or a bad plug wire. Or...

So many things, so little data. Any other hints?

tekenaar · 08-06-2005

Originally Posted by GTJIM

A clagged up fuel tank can block new filters real quick and it is esay to check/replace them when you check the fuel flow.

However Huffing and Chugging usually point to incorrect ignition timing (may be a jammed advance mechanisim in the distributor) or improperly adjusted valve clearances.

The lack of fuel flow senario usually has the carb backfiring and spitting back out of the carb as the fuel/air mixture goes lean.

HTH

You do know that the advance mechanism can be oiled, right? There is (supposed to be anyway) a small piece of fibrous material in the center of the disti shaft directly under the rotor for this purpose. The mechanical advance consists of the central shaft on which the 'movable' points cam/rotor piece rides, kind of shaft within a hollow shaft arrangement.

These two pieces must be free to move independently of each other for the mechanical advance mechanism to work. If they bind, i.e. outer cam piece can't rotate freely on inner disti shaft, your mechanical advance won't follow designed advance curve controlled by springs and weights under the points plate or may bind entirely for no advance at all.

Remove distributor cap and check that you can move the rotor fairly freely in a clockwise direction (advance). There will be some resistance from the springs and mechanical action of the weights, but you're interested in its freedom of motion . . . i.e. no binding spots.

BDD · 08-06-2005

Older cars will have multiple things to repair and maintain. Opel's are supposed to be pretty reliable when you work the bugs out. These problems are because this is an old car that you don't know much about yet. Other things will probably crop up later.

One thing about this level of technology is that everything is pretty much repairable. No computers to mess with that most people don't understand.

I have a similar problem with my GT. It backfires a bit when accelerating and this is helped a bit by adding some choke. Could be a vacuum leak with mine. My dwell is o.k. but the timing still needs to be checked. I still have a conventional ignition/ distributor system.

Your problem happened suddenly after the starter was changed. The paint chips/ sludge idea sounds possible. I suppose no wiring was changed inadvertantly when the starter was changed.

Tell us what fixes your problem when you find out.

Turbo X · 08-07-2005

thing i would check

1 compression test..
2 vacuum leak check
3 check points, timing
4 check both vacuum diap. on dist., that it holds a vacuum
5 check fuel pressure
6 replace fuel filter, and only use one., 3 is over doing it..
7 clean carb.
and make sure you dont have water in the gas

kwilford · 08-07-2005

Originally Posted by Turbo X

6 replace fuel filter, and only use one., 3 is over doing it..

Actually, two is the correct number. After you remove the sock screen from inside the tank, you should put a steel bodied filter (to avoid a cracked filter from road debris) just past the tank outlet, in front of the fuel line (or in front of a rear-mounted electric fuel pump). The second one should be a clear plastic filter, either in in the normal place (above the mechanical pump, or where it used to be) or just in front of the carb.
JM2CW

Jo Anna · 08-07-2005

Originally Posted by kwilford

I moved this to the "Tune Up" Forum until it heads in a certain direction (Hey Lempi, you know you CAN start a thread somewhere other than "Introductions", eh?)

Boy, it can be tough to troubleshoot long distance. Hmm, sounds like fuel or carb to me. Remind us, you have a Pertronix Ignitor, right? And a Weber 32/326 DGAV? And a mechanical fuel pump?

Any chance you have a vacuum leak? It usually only affects the idle and "off-idle" running, but...no, that isn't likely. I might try replacing each of those fuel filters with a length of hose to see if one or more are plugged. You say it started "...huffin' and chuggin' on acceleration and eventually wouldn't hold an idle." Only at low rpm, or also (or only) at high rpm? Is the carb flooding? Does it smell a lot like gas if you pop off the air cleaner after a run? Maybe the needle and seat are leaking.

Or lets look at ignition. One of my favourites are a bad spark plug. It can work OK at an idle, and then misfire under load. Then it gets bad enough to misfire at an idle. Try pulling the plugs after a run to see if one is fouled. Or it could be a fouled distributor cap or rotor. Or a bad plug wire. Or...

So many things, so little data. Any other hints?

By the way, we say "eh" were I live as well.
Sorry Keith--learning about my Opel as well as this fabulous site--all new things to me (twirling finger in dimple while batting eyelashes).
Coincientally, just before the starter was crapping out, the engine began running very rough. Son came up here and worked all day on engine yesterday--what he eventually found was that the carb was over-fueling. I can't even begin to tell you all the things that he tried to nail down the problem. In short, the carb went home with him last nite and he'll come back next weekend with a diff. carb. We'll be needing a carb so anyone who has one to sell and can ship immediately -- let me know. I believe he said he would post today and ask you guys some questions. It was so sweet that he didn't want to go home because he hadn't puzzled out the problem. What he needed was someone like you guys to be here with him. Expert eyes and experienced brains. I just make the payments, he maintains the beauty. It breaks my heart to think I had only one week of driving with a smile on my face after 30 years. Maybe it was just a dream...
jo

GTJIM · 08-07-2005

[QUOTE] Maybe it was just a dream [QUOTE]

Let us help keep the dream alive, Jo!

Think about any used car that you have ever owned - there is always a "get it going right and fix the things the previous owner neglected because they were selling it" period wasn't there?

The things that you have had to fix have all been minor external bits and pieces that fall into the category of necessary maintenance....
Even GTs are not perfect - though we often dream that they are!
You have two major assets going for you too - your dedicated Mechanic and this great site.
Think of it as character building

Jo Anna · 08-07-2005

By the time I have this beauty back on the road, I'll have so much character I'll be able to sell some of it on ebay! Thanks for the encouragement, Jim. When son asked me last nite if I was bummed out about not being able to drive the car I used the moment to teach him about having a choice in how I look at things. Yes, I'm bummed, but I choose to look at this way--the situation brings he and I closer and he is learning about the beauty intimately, against the day when it will belong to him--of course, he'll be grieving as well because it means I'll be dead! I guess you could say that I have promised him the GT OVER MY DEAD BODY. (te-he)
jo

22velocity · 08-07-2005

Lempi, back in the early 1970's I was a factory rep for Buick based out of Green Bay,WI. I used to sell Opels To Bruno and His son ,Chuck Lucchesi of Hancock. Both of them were enjoyable people to deal with. I wonder if your Opel started with them. It was a real challenge to get the UP dealers to stock opels because of your winters. I wonder if Chuck still has any Opel special tools left ? IF you talk to him tell him an old Buick friend said hello. Frank Robb

kwilford · 08-07-2005

Originally Posted by Lempi

By the way, we say "eh" were I live as well.
Sorry Keith--learning about my Opel as well as this fabulous site--all new things to me (twirling finger in dimple while batting eyelashes).

No worries, the dimple has left me transfixed

And I didn't realize that Michigan was full of Canadian-speaking Yanks

Originally Posted by Lempi

what he eventually found was that the carb was over-fueling. I can't even begin to tell you all the things that he tried to nail down the problem. In short, the carb went home with him last nite and he'll come back next weekend with a diff. carb. We'll be needing a carb so anyone who has one to sell and can ship immediately --

What kind of carb, Jo? Carb kits are readily available for either the Solex or Weber. You can probably get the Weber kit locally, or no more than a couple days by US Air Mail from Gil. In any event, it sounds like it was flooding, which is probably just a leaky needle valve (what the float inside that controls the fuel level in the bowl pushes up against to stop the fuel flow to keep the level correct). Carb kits come with instructions, and are VERY easy to install.
Or do you have an electric fuel pump? If the wrong pump is used (it can't put out more than 3 1/2 psi) it will flood the carb. Or if it is a type that puts out more, it needs a pressure regulator. HTH

Jo Anna · 08-08-2005

Keith,
Weber carb. Electric fuel pump--I'd swear son said it was putting out 10psi over the old one which was 5psi. Electric was installed by prev. owner. We discussed regulator and now that you mention it--I think you are onto something here! I'll make that early morniing phone call that wakes him up which is not OK with him except if I'm calling to discuss the Opel...funny what we'll put up with and what we won't put up with.
As for "eh"--The whole Upper Peninsula of Michigan is the land of "eh". People in other parts of the country (and sometimes even in Lower Michigan) think we're part of Canada. Thats fine with us--they think we're so remote or that there is nothing here that they don't come here. Suits all of us. This is paradise if you now what I mean, eh? Its also populated with the descendants of Cornish, Irish, Italian, Quebequios and primarily Nordic (Finnish, Swedish, and Norwegian) miners (iron and copper) and lumberjacks. So we have great cuisine and history and cultural heritage. In fact this week is Finn Grand Fest which draws thousands upon thousands of Finns from all over the world to celebrate their heritage. (It is combined with teh Canadian Finn Fest this year.) Its amazing! Me? I'm French--1651 original family settled in Quebec City and settled the Il d'Orleans--on one side--and French from my grandpa immigrating in 1910 from Paris on the other side. I'm kind of an oddity here in the land of the Finns.
Whoa--sorry to ramble--I just realized. First cup of coffee--just woke up.
Anyway, I think you're right on the regulator--I think the carb is just fine. But it gives me the willies and reminds me of the old Solex' in my other two Opels (71, 73) 30-some years ago. Horror stories in the middle of traffic with those carbs if you know what I mean.
Thanks, time to dial the phone.
jo

Jo Anna · 08-08-2005

Originally Posted by 22velocity

Lempi, back in the early 1970's I was a factory rep for Buick based out of Green Bay,WI. I used to sell Opels To Bruno and His son ,Chuck Lucchesi of Hancock. Both of them were enjoyable people to deal with. I wonder if your Opel started with them. It was a real challenge to get the UP dealers to stock opels because of your winters. I wonder if Chuck still has any Opel special tools left ? IF you talk to him tell him an old Buick friend said hello. Frank Robb

Wow--no kidding--I'm calling him today! No the beauty started life in Hawaii--it was yellow with white interior. Now it is Blue with black. Was picked up in Philly and moved here. But Bruno might just have something to help me in the future. THAT explains the two GT's that I've heard lived up here in the 70's! Awesome and thanks! This site has become near and dear to my heart--amazing what gems you guys hand out!

Jo

Adam Mowafy · 08-08-2005

time to jump into this thread

thanks for all your suggestions. here is the situation:

yes I put a pertronix on the car, it does have the weber, and an electric fuel pump.the car has had the electric pump for a few years so im told. after I put on the pertronix and set the mixture and timing about a month ago, the car ran like a dream. I got a call from my mom a week after I gave her the car back saying that it was chugging on acceleration...yada yada then the starter went......

well this past weekend I took a trip to see if I could fix the problem. upon inspection I found that the plugs were blacker than my co-workers coffee at 8 am. and the engine was missing like crazy under load and slightyly at idle, probably due to the plugs being so fouled. the problem is in the carburator and im not sure what is causing it. I shut off the fuel pump to elimintae fuel pressure as a possibilty. whats happening is when you give it gas and hold it, the main jet shoots WAYYYYY to much fuel out. im not talkng about the accel pump , im talking about the main jet that flows fuel. I took it apart at the shop today, and for the life of me I can not see anything visibly wrong with any gaskets or parts. Im going to keep checking it out but in the meantime id like to find a used weber if anyone has one..... there might be something wrong that I cannot see. this isnt something that was put in wrong or something that got messed with. the car ran fine for a few weeks before it all of sudden started doing this

so if you have a used carb for sale please get ahold of me or "Lempi"

I'd really like to get this solved soon, we live in Upper Michigan.......so it could snow at any given moment, and I want her to enjoy this car for a bit before it gets put away for winter

thanks in advance.

baz · 08-08-2005

adam your mom says she thinks you said the pump puts out 10 psi , if so it will be the trouble as the carbs only want a max of 3.5 psi , it will be overpowering the float and flooding the bowl so you run as rich an hell
check the pressure and see what it is

Adam Mowafy · 08-09-2005

yes I agree on that one. im not sure what psi that pump is putting out, but it might already have an internal regulator as it has been on there for a few years with no fuel issues. I am going to throw on a regulator as a just in case.

like I said in my previous reply, i shut off the pump with engine running and it is still flooding the intake with gas.

hmmmmmm.......

namba209 · 08-09-2005

Adam, basic hydraulics, which is appropriate in this case for the fuel system, if the electric fuel pump is installed as most are, back by the fuel tank, the entire line from the pump to the carb will be pressurized, when you turn off the pump, until the pressure is depleted, you will still have pressure on the line until the volume in the line drops along with the pressure. The line could have as much as a quart of fuel in it, depending on the size line. So just turning off the pump won't help initially, until the pressure drops significantly. It could be the fuel bowl vent in the carb is plugged and your running a "pressure" carb, which means the fuel pump is keeping the fuel bowl, and the fuel inside it at pump output pressure. Which is probably why you're seeing "way too much fuel" coming out of the main jet.

Jo Anna · 08-09-2005

Hey everybody, great suggestions for our project here. Its almost like youse guys are looking over our shoulders as Adam tries to puzzle it out. (Anybody need a cup of coffee?) He will be back here in 4 days so I think we've passed the point of buying a carb from any of you (if that is still what he thinks we should do) and still getting it shipped to arrive here by Sat.....unless a miracle happens! He's bringing a buddy with him this weekend--they are setting up a driving course at Michigan Tech Univ. for a Sunday of not motor cross but you know, driving like a wild man around a parking lot. He says I should run my 2.5 RS in it. Hmmmmm
jo

Adam Mowafy · 08-10-2005

OK I think I found the problem.

there are two brass screws on each side of the carb which meter fuel, one large and one small. the smaller one which points towards the valve cover is missing the metering valve inside of it.........

where this valve went I have NO idea? both of the o-rings on these things were pretty cracked as well. so I ordered these parts from GT source yesterday.

I'm going to put on a pressure regulator as well just to rule out fuel pressure being a problem.

Jo Anna · 08-11-2005

Frank, Good News/Bad News
The good news is: I called Chuck and yes indeedy, he rememered you!
The bad news is: they dumped all things Opel in last ten years when they overhauled their dealership. there is nothing Opel related left...
As for where my GT came from: My Opel started in Hawaii and is painted with the same paint they use on the public transit busses. Blue Fire.
I DID however, find the owner of a 70 GT right here in town (thanks to Chuck) --usually saw it every summer and used to leave notes on it--you know how it is...anyway, haven't seen it this summer-- talked to the guy last nite and he is original owner and it is pure stock! It is sitting in storage--needs new starter. I told him about this forum and he wondered how many original and existing owners proposed marriage in their GT on top of a mountain (Brockway Mt., here)! We may be seeing him register here. He doesn't have any parts, said he lost out on a van load a few years back when he could have had the contents for $100 but he didn't go get the stuff soon enough. Poof, it all disappeared. Sad.
Meantime, son and another mechanic are driving up here Sat. nite and it is my fervent hope to have the beauty back on the road Sunday before the snow flies.....
Thank you ever so much for that very HOT tip! Chuck was amused.
Jo

08-06-2005	#1 (permalink)
Jo Anna Lempi: Feared by all Walleye Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Houghton, Michigan Posts: 154	Unanswered: Huffin' and chuggin' OK, son just got the repaired starter back into the 72 GT and we took it out for a test drive in the dark last nite--he lives 100 miles from me and he is my mechanic--fledgling but getting very good. So we're both learning new things from the Opel. Before the starter crapped out three weeks ago, the beauty started huffin' and chuggin' on acceleration and eventually wouldn't hold an idle. Coincidentally, the starter pooped out and of course, with Opels, its always something, sometimes several "somethings" at once. I'd have to say that a GT is muore mysterious than any woman that ever lived! Anyway, he repositioned the distributor several times last nite and adjusted the mixture. There are three fuel filters and those are all new. We're stumped and I have him here only until supper time today. If we don't get this figured out, I don't drive my Opel and the sad part is I was only able to drive it for ONE WEEK after buying it. The clock is ticking and in this northern climate, the seasons are changing rapidly and it will be time to put the beauty to sleep for the winter.....any ideas for what we can do today to fix this? He's still asleep (its 8:30am) and I'd like some suggestions before I wake him up! And I know you guys are the ones who can help! Thanks in advance. jo __________________ We know more than we know we know.

08-06-2005	#2 (permalink)
baz opel free after 26 years Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: sunderland england Posts: 4,941 Real Name: barry williams Provided Answers: 4	first things that come to mind are check the points ,condenser and timing again just to be sure then remove the lead from the coil to dizzy so the car will not start , then unhook the fuel line at the carb to see if you have flow when you crank the engine( it may have 3 filters but does it have flow ?) if no flow it will be the pump or in the tank there is a little strainer to stop gunk getting to the pump (only trouble is it clogs) to test take the fuel line off the pump from the tank over a container to catch spillage ,if you get a good flow the tank strainer is ok if not it needs to come out(a search will get you the info on removing it) , if you have flow then take the pump off and test (remember to plug the fuel line to stop the gas running out) __________________ Copyright © 2003-2009 barry williams All Rights Reserved save praying to God for sunday today we pray to Nike and run like hell

08-06-2005	#4 (permalink)
GTJIM Old Opeler Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: New Zealand Posts: 5,686 Provided Answers: 12	Chuffing & Hugging A clagged up fuel tank can block new filters real quick and it is esay to check/replace them when you check the fuel flow. However Huffing and Chugging usually point to incorrect ignition timing (may be a jammed advance mechanisim in the distributor) or improperly adjusted valve clearances. The lack of fuel flow senario usually has the carb backfiring and spitting back out of the carb as the fuel/air mixture goes lean. HTH __________________ GTJim Opel Owner since last Century! Copyright © 2000-2009 J D Henry All Rights Reserved

08-06-2005	#5 (permalink)
jordan Moderator Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: corning ny 14830 Posts: 2,182 Provided Answers: 1	My old filter coming out of the tank was packed with rust, it weighed about twice as much as the new filter. And that is why my gt used to hesitate and bog at higher rpm's. __________________ 1970 Opel GT 1.9 1980 Moto Guzzi V50 2000 Saab 9-3 2.0 turbo 2000 KTM 200 exc STOLEN

08-06-2005	#6 (permalink)
baronbors 1000 Post Club Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: League City Texas Posts: 1,117	You DID take the gas tank sock out-didn't you? __________________ Texas Opel Preservation Society

08-06-2005	#3 (permalink)
wrangler Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Pensacola, Florida Posts: 468 Real Name: Brett	I think Baz hit it right on the head... 3 fuel filters only means two more places to go bad along the fuel line. I know my past Opel did not like to get run too low on fuel then filled... think it might have been an idication of junk in the tank. Remember.. it only takes a tiny flake of rust to shut down a fuel filter. As Baz said, is very easy to check and eliminate.

08-06-2005	#7 (permalink)
kwilford Über OpelGT.com Moderator Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Calgary, Alberta, Canada Posts: 4,087 Real Name: Keith Wilford Provided Answers: 4	I moved this to the "Tune Up" Forum until it heads in a certain direction (Hey Lempi, you know you CAN start a thread somewhere other than "Introductions", eh?) Boy, it can be tough to troubleshoot long distance. Hmm, sounds like fuel or carb to me. Remind us, you have a Pertronix Ignitor, right? And a Weber 32/326 DGAV? And a mechanical fuel pump? Any chance you have a vacuum leak? It usually only affects the idle and "off-idle" running, but...no, that isn't likely. I might try replacing each of those fuel filters with a length of hose to see if one or more are plugged. You say it started "...huffin' and chuggin' on acceleration and eventually wouldn't hold an idle." Only at low rpm, or also (or only) at high rpm? Is the carb flooding? Does it smell a lot like gas if you pop off the air cleaner after a run? Maybe the needle and seat are leaking. Or lets look at ignition. One of my favourites are a bad spark plug. It can work OK at an idle, and then misfire under load. Then it gets bad enough to misfire at an idle. Try pulling the plugs after a run to see if one is fouled. Or it could be a fouled distributor cap or rotor. Or a bad plug wire. Or... So many things, so little data. Any other hints? __________________ Keith Wilford working on my '71 GT and '75 SportWagon

08-06-2005	#9 (permalink)
BDD Member Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Wisconsin Posts: 605	Older cars will have multiple things to repair and maintain. Opel's are supposed to be pretty reliable when you work the bugs out. These problems are because this is an old car that you don't know much about yet. Other things will probably crop up later. One thing about this level of technology is that everything is pretty much repairable. No computers to mess with that most people don't understand. I have a similar problem with my GT. It backfires a bit when accelerating and this is helped a bit by adding some choke. Could be a vacuum leak with mine. My dwell is o.k. but the timing still needs to be checked. I still have a conventional ignition/ distributor system. Your problem happened suddenly after the starter was changed. The paint chips/ sludge idea sounds possible. I suppose no wiring was changed inadvertantly when the starter was changed. Tell us what fixes your problem when you find out. Last edited by BDD; 08-06-2005 at 06:55 PM.

08-07-2005	#10 (permalink)
Turbo X Opeler Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Plattsburgh, New York Posts: 91	thing i would check 1 compression test.. 2 vacuum leak check 3 check points, timing 4 check both vacuum diap. on dist., that it holds a vacuum 5 check fuel pressure 6 replace fuel filter, and only use one., 3 is over doing it.. 7 clean carb. and make sure you dont have water in the gas

08-07-2005	#13 (permalink)
GTJIM Old Opeler Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: New Zealand Posts: 5,686 Provided Answers: 12	Don't Panic! [QUOTE] Maybe it was just a dream [QUOTE] Let us help keep the dream alive, Jo! Think about any used car that you have ever owned - there is always a "get it going right and fix the things the previous owner neglected because they were selling it" period wasn't there? The things that you have had to fix have all been minor external bits and pieces that fall into the category of necessary maintenance.... Even GTs are not perfect - though we often dream that they are! You have two major assets going for you too - your dedicated Mechanic and this great site. Think of it as character building __________________ GTJim Opel Owner since last Century! Copyright © 2000-2009 J D Henry All Rights Reserved

08-07-2005	#14 (permalink)
Jo Anna Lempi: Feared by all Walleye Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Houghton, Michigan Posts: 154	By the time I have this beauty back on the road, I'll have so much character I'll be able to sell some of it on ebay! Thanks for the encouragement, Jim. When son asked me last nite if I was bummed out about not being able to drive the car I used the moment to teach him about having a choice in how I look at things. Yes, I'm bummed, but I choose to look at this way--the situation brings he and I closer and he is learning about the beauty intimately, against the day when it will belong to him--of course, he'll be grieving as well because it means I'll be dead! I guess you could say that I have promised him the GT OVER MY DEAD BODY. (te-he) jo __________________ We know more than we know we know.

08-07-2005	#15 (permalink)
22velocity Opeler Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: brookfield wi Posts: 13	Lempi, back in the early 1970's I was a factory rep for Buick based out of Green Bay,WI. I used to sell Opels To Bruno and His son ,Chuck Lucchesi of Hancock. Both of them were enjoyable people to deal with. I wonder if your Opel started with them. It was a real challenge to get the UP dealers to stock opels because of your winters. I wonder if Chuck still has any Opel special tools left ? IF you talk to him tell him an old Buick friend said hello. Frank Robb

08-08-2005	#17 (permalink)
Jo Anna Lempi: Feared by all Walleye Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Houghton, Michigan Posts: 154	Keith, Weber carb. Electric fuel pump--I'd swear son said it was putting out 10psi over the old one which was 5psi. Electric was installed by prev. owner. We discussed regulator and now that you mention it--I think you are onto something here! I'll make that early morniing phone call that wakes him up which is not OK with him except if I'm calling to discuss the Opel...funny what we'll put up with and what we won't put up with. As for "eh"--The whole Upper Peninsula of Michigan is the land of "eh". People in other parts of the country (and sometimes even in Lower Michigan) think we're part of Canada. Thats fine with us--they think we're so remote or that there is nothing here that they don't come here. Suits all of us. This is paradise if you now what I mean, eh? Its also populated with the descendants of Cornish, Irish, Italian, Quebequios and primarily Nordic (Finnish, Swedish, and Norwegian) miners (iron and copper) and lumberjacks. So we have great cuisine and history and cultural heritage. In fact this week is Finn Grand Fest which draws thousands upon thousands of Finns from all over the world to celebrate their heritage. (It is combined with teh Canadian Finn Fest this year.) Its amazing! Me? I'm French--1651 original family settled in Quebec City and settled the Il d'Orleans--on one side--and French from my grandpa immigrating in 1910 from Paris on the other side. I'm kind of an oddity here in the land of the Finns. Whoa--sorry to ramble--I just realized. First cup of coffee--just woke up. Anyway, I think you're right on the regulator--I think the carb is just fine. But it gives me the willies and reminds me of the old Solex' in my other two Opels (71, 73) 30-some years ago. Horror stories in the middle of traffic with those carbs if you know what I mean. Thanks, time to dial the phone. jo __________________ We know more than we know we know.

08-08-2005	#19 (permalink)
Adam Mowafy Opeler Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Michigan Posts: 14	time to jump into this thread thanks for all your suggestions. here is the situation: yes I put a pertronix on the car, it does have the weber, and an electric fuel pump.the car has had the electric pump for a few years so im told. after I put on the pertronix and set the mixture and timing about a month ago, the car ran like a dream. I got a call from my mom a week after I gave her the car back saying that it was chugging on acceleration...yada yada then the starter went...... well this past weekend I took a trip to see if I could fix the problem. upon inspection I found that the plugs were blacker than my co-workers coffee at 8 am. and the engine was missing like crazy under load and slightyly at idle, probably due to the plugs being so fouled. the problem is in the carburator and im not sure what is causing it. I shut off the fuel pump to elimintae fuel pressure as a possibilty. whats happening is when you give it gas and hold it, the main jet shoots WAYYYYY to much fuel out. im not talkng about the accel pump , im talking about the main jet that flows fuel. I took it apart at the shop today, and for the life of me I can not see anything visibly wrong with any gaskets or parts. Im going to keep checking it out but in the meantime id like to find a used weber if anyone has one..... there might be something wrong that I cannot see. this isnt something that was put in wrong or something that got messed with. the car ran fine for a few weeks before it all of sudden started doing this so if you have a used carb for sale please get ahold of me or "Lempi" I'd really like to get this solved soon, we live in Upper Michigan.......so it could snow at any given moment, and I want her to enjoy this car for a bit before it gets put away for winter thanks in advance. __________________ Owner: AYM Auto Image -88 Audi 5000 TQ. Megasquirt W/ Holset HX35 and 25 lbs of booooost -90 Sterling 827 SL -93 F150 -72 Maverick w/302 -72 Honda CB550

08-08-2005	#20 (permalink)
baz opel free after 26 years Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: sunderland england Posts: 4,941 Real Name: barry williams Provided Answers: 4	adam your mom says she thinks you said the pump puts out 10 psi , if so it will be the trouble as the carbs only want a max of 3.5 psi , it will be overpowering the float and flooding the bowl so you run as rich an hell check the pressure and see what it is __________________ Copyright © 2003-2009 barry williams All Rights Reserved save praying to God for sunday today we pray to Nike and run like hell

08-09-2005	#21 (permalink)
Adam Mowafy Opeler Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Michigan Posts: 14	yes I agree on that one. im not sure what psi that pump is putting out, but it might already have an internal regulator as it has been on there for a few years with no fuel issues. I am going to throw on a regulator as a just in case. like I said in my previous reply, i shut off the pump with engine running and it is still flooding the intake with gas. hmmmmmm....... __________________ Owner: AYM Auto Image -88 Audi 5000 TQ. Megasquirt W/ Holset HX35 and 25 lbs of booooost -90 Sterling 827 SL -93 F150 -72 Maverick w/302 -72 Honda CB550

08-09-2005	#22 (permalink)
namba209 6,000 Post Club Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Imperial Beach, CA South of San Diego Posts: 6,054 Provided Answers: 6	Adam, basic hydraulics, which is appropriate in this case for the fuel system, if the electric fuel pump is installed as most are, back by the fuel tank, the entire line from the pump to the carb will be pressurized, when you turn off the pump, until the pressure is depleted, you will still have pressure on the line until the volume in the line drops along with the pressure. The line could have as much as a quart of fuel in it, depending on the size line. So just turning off the pump won't help initially, until the pressure drops significantly. It could be the fuel bowl vent in the carb is plugged and your running a "pressure" carb, which means the fuel pump is keeping the fuel bowl, and the fuel inside it at pump output pressure. Which is probably why you're seeing "way too much fuel" coming out of the main jet. __________________ Ron 72 GT 3.4L V-6/T-5/ZF posi - almost done - Just need AC installed. 75 Chevy monza 5.7L/TH350/Auburn 3.08 posi - Next

08-09-2005	#23 (permalink)
Jo Anna Lempi: Feared by all Walleye Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Houghton, Michigan Posts: 154	Hey everybody, great suggestions for our project here. Its almost like youse guys are looking over our shoulders as Adam tries to puzzle it out. (Anybody need a cup of coffee?) He will be back here in 4 days so I think we've passed the point of buying a carb from any of you (if that is still what he thinks we should do) and still getting it shipped to arrive here by Sat.....unless a miracle happens! He's bringing a buddy with him this weekend--they are setting up a driving course at Michigan Tech Univ. for a Sunday of not motor cross but you know, driving like a wild man around a parking lot. He says I should run my 2.5 RS in it. Hmmmmm jo __________________ We know more than we know we know.

08-10-2005	#24 (permalink)
Adam Mowafy Opeler Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Michigan Posts: 14	OK I think I found the problem. there are two brass screws on each side of the carb which meter fuel, one large and one small. the smaller one which points towards the valve cover is missing the metering valve inside of it......... where this valve went I have NO idea? both of the o-rings on these things were pretty cracked as well. so I ordered these parts from GT source yesterday. I'm going to put on a pressure regulator as well just to rule out fuel pressure being a problem. __________________ Owner: AYM Auto Image -88 Audi 5000 TQ. Megasquirt W/ Holset HX35 and 25 lbs of booooost -90 Sterling 827 SL -93 F150 -72 Maverick w/302 -72 Honda CB550

08-11-2005	#25 (permalink)
Jo Anna Lempi: Feared by all Walleye Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Houghton, Michigan Posts: 154	Frank, Good News/Bad News The good news is: I called Chuck and yes indeedy, he rememered you! The bad news is: they dumped all things Opel in last ten years when they overhauled their dealership. there is nothing Opel related left... As for where my GT came from: My Opel started in Hawaii and is painted with the same paint they use on the public transit busses. Blue Fire. I DID however, find the owner of a 70 GT right here in town (thanks to Chuck) --usually saw it every summer and used to leave notes on it--you know how it is...anyway, haven't seen it this summer-- talked to the guy last nite and he is original owner and it is pure stock! It is sitting in storage--needs new starter. I told him about this forum and he wondered how many original and existing owners proposed marriage in their GT on top of a mountain (Brockway Mt., here)! We may be seeing him register here. He doesn't have any parts, said he lost out on a van load a few years back when he could have had the contents for $100 but he didn't go get the stuff soon enough. Poof, it all disappeared. Sad. Meantime, son and another mechanic are driving up here Sat. nite and it is my fervent hope to have the beauty back on the road Sunday before the snow flies..... Thank you ever so much for that very HOT tip! Chuck was amused. Jo __________________ We know more than we know we know.

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