what's a jetter? I took it back the day after I got it an there was a gas leak going into the carb that they supposedly fixed. after that they said my car would'nt start in the morning because of the distributor, rusted and lots of play
Doc helped me, He is a wizard. Going to fix ignition & go recurved nos w/ PETRONICS You guys rule! Also getting a bottle of zddp & no frams :bglasses:
I've got a Pertronix Ignitor III in my Invicta - I love it! Starts up WAY quicker, and that's with a big 'ol chokless Holley.
my holley is choke-less too, although she has made me want to choke myself since I got her. I am getting a petronix 2 as we speak
Well, it should have read "jetted" but I tend to type poorly. Jetting determines how much fuel the carb delivers to the engine, too little and it is lean and can run hot, too lean for too long can do bad things like burn valves or even damage pistons. Too rich means too much fuel going into the engine causing poor performance, fouling spark plugs etc. It really sounds like you have ignition troubles, a bad coil can cause many headaches, I'm neither a fan of HEI or the Pertronix, I run points and condensers in my 73 Electra and my 69 Riviera and have no plans on changing that, my Electra is my daily driving when I'm not on my motorcycle
Clairese, Knowledge is power,,,, You need to pick up the factory shop manual for your car and you need to pick up the book, SUPER TUNING AND MODIFYING HOLLEY CARBURETORS by Dave Emanuel.... Books are expensive, but they dont cost, they pay,,,, in money saved and in the knowledge/ power that they give....because once you get that knowledge/power in your head,,, it gets more difficult for some one to whodoo you.....I also have a MOTORS manual that covers the year of my cars....got lots of specifications in it.....
That is my first thought too....a common rookie mistake is using the wrong carb gasket. The Nailhead has a groove cut in the intake manifold for exhaust gas to warm the carb.... You must use a METAL carb gasket in combination with a regular gasket to seal that passage. Here's a supplier for that gasket. Russ is a real Nailhead Guru!: http://www.centervilleautorepair.com/
Yep, could be,,,, I assumed that the mech that she was using had enough sense to at least put carb gaskets and heat shield under the carb on a nailhead engine right ....
Somewhere in this forum I saw a section on dumb mistakes we have made. I made the base gasket flub once. I was aware of the heat passages, but as the carburetor supplier knew the application - I assumed that the composite gasket would stand up to the heat. It didn't. I had exactly the symptoms that Clarisse describes. After finding the problem and installing the steel gasket, it still ran like a POS. It turns out that a lot of the fried base gasket ended up inside the carburetor. I had to overhaul the carb. too. I won't make that mistake again!ou:
Hi Clarisse, I'm glad you're asking questions and getting help here on the board. I think it's great that you're working on a classic Riv and learning to take care of it. There is nothing about cars that requires the male gene. You can fix your car yourself if you want to. You can also learn enough to give specific instructions to a mechanic and know when they are trying to pull the wool over your eyes. The troubles you are experiencing are not uncommon. Most of us have had our cars running terrible for stretches of time. More often then not it's a combination of problems that need to be sorted out 1 by 1. I can tell you from experience if you keep at it you'll get that engine running as smooth as silk. When it's working properly it will start easy, run smooth and be as reliable as an anvil. There are basics common to all cars and specific wrinkles for each engine. Recurving the distributor is very similar on most engines, needing a special gasket is one of the wrinkles. There are lots of good sites (including this one) that can give you the basics and none better than this one to teach you the nuances of a nailhead. I'd love to see a picture of your Riviera. John
I doubt they used a metal gasket, I will call and ask. I am getting all new ignition stuff, I will take some pics of the carb and post tomorrow. I love working on my car, but some things go over my head, the carb and the engine to be specific. I have the shop manual on disc, but I haven't used it for a while. here is a pic, I love this forum, so fun! I need 2 more posts for a pic will add soon
that's a beautiful colour on your riv.. Was thinking of going with something similar with my '64 riv... better than the ubiquitous refrigerator white
hey man thanks! too bad I'm sick of it, been 8 years-- I think I'm going gunmetal gray Update: I am waiting on all of my ignition parts, and I looked at the carb and all I see is blue gasket I have to find a heat shield now for the holley and my referral from this thread doesn't do holley heat shields Gonna pull the carb # tomorrow and find one... Thanks for everyone's help on this, I can see the light @ the end of the tunnel I hope...
Yep, gotta have a heat shield, came from Buick with one...first thick heat type gasket, then the metal shield , and then just a paper type gasket,,,and the carb....dont over tighten the carb hold down bolts,,, you can break the ears off of the base plate.... just a small wrench and only tighten to about 5 ft. lbs....just to where it comes up ''tight''....
