Engine smothers when taking off cold

[Anonymous]

When I start the engine (after it has cooled down) and put the car into gear, it will smother down and almost die. I have to pat the accelerator initially to keep it going. When I get out on the road, it smothers when it shifts from 1-2 and 2-3 (whenever more of a load is placed on the engine). I have to slightly let up on the accelerator when it shifts so it won't die. It only last 5 seconds at most; then I can accelerate as I normally would with no problems. What could cause this? The tranny fluid level is OK.

It just started this in the summertime. The symptoms are the same no matter if it's 100 degrees outside or 49 degrees (which it is now).

I'm at a loss. I know a guy who has a '65 Mustang with a 289/C4 that has the exact same problem. He doesn't know what to do, either.

 

[Anonymous]

I would check carburetion first...Make sure you idle screws are set correctly, when adjusting, check the idle while in drive (set the park brake and chock the wheels!). I've found in the past that i set the idle just right while in park but the moment i shift, the car would shudder and want to die until i tap on the accelerator.

In regards to the shifting problem, I would also suspect your fuel system. Make sure while you're fine tuning your carb that your filters are clear and fairly new. How old is your carb? It could be time for a rebuild (as was the case for mine) if its a factory original.

Hope this helps, if even just a little....GOOD LUCK!

 

[JackFish]

Yah, check your fuel pump too. Could be dying.

 

[Anonymous]

Those are good suggestions for a persistent problem, but like I said, it only lasts for 5 seconds at the most and only when the engine is cold. When I go back and drive the car when it's still warm, there is no problem whatsoever when I put it in gear or when shifting. It's only a cold start problem.

 

[Anonymous]

sounds like a slight choke adjustment is needed. if you keep your carb a little on the lean side the choke will be necessary anytime it's below normal oper. temps. And it is more of an issue with an auto tranny. Between the richer mix and higher idle the choke compensates for a lot.