Engine stutter

[Clifford69]

Long time watcher first time poster.

Just got back from Iraq a few weeks ago and thanks to all the great ideas and inspiration here I have some great info on how to do the projects I have been thinking about for the last year. I got a new engine a little less than two years ago, my wife drove it while I was gone but I think that because the engine was broken in some adjusting needs to be done. I am having an issue when I accelerate from a stop, there is a bit of a stutter and it feels like the engine is going to die if I don't baby it when I take off (i.e. I can't floor it). I know the basics about a carb but if someone could give me some pointers on how to make the corrections I would really appreciate it - I have a holley 650.

- Lucas

[Longhorn Man]

If the carb was right durring break in, or close to being right, then i wouldn't suspect it now.
I would personally start with pulling the plugs and inspecting them... or just replaceing them all together.

[68gmsee]

Post number one! Congrats and welcome to the forum...

Let us know a little more. For example was engine a crate or rebuilt, automatic or standard, a/c, type of distributor (hei or original), etc.. May help isolate the problem quicker.

Stalling or stuttering, can be caused by several things. I would start with the easiest and least expensive.

Vacuum leaks. Check all hoses to make sure you're not sucking in air.

Ignition problems. As Longhorn says, check spark plugs. Also points and vacuum advance -if you have them- to make sure they're adjusted right and working properly.

Double check the timing.

Could also be starving due to lack of fuel when you depress the gas pedal.
So check all the filters and fuel pump.

For the most part, I would suspect the carb unless you know for a fact that it's working properly. I'm not familiar with Holleys, but accelerator pump seals can get dry or you may have sucked in some debris. Check fuel level through site glass to make sure floats are adjusted right. Some carbs have an "anti stall dashpot." Make sure it's okay.