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Jim
Grant has been working in the automotive industry for over twenty
years. In addition, Jim is an ASE Master Technician with advanced
L/1 certification. He works as manager and technician in his
family's automotive business in New Hampshire. He writes weekly
automotive consumer columns and is editor of an automotive newsletter
that is circulated throughout North America. |
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Jim Grant's Tech Tips
'86
Chevy Pickup, Spineless Snow Plow
Q:
Hi
Jim: I have an '86 Chevy pickup which is used only to plow my driveway.
When the gas is increased, as the snow load increases, the engine will
stall. If the gas is *stabbed* there is an immediate response. The engine
is a 5.0, automatic transmission with a 4 bbl carburetor. The truck starts
easily and idles well. I would like your thoughts on this.
A:
It
sounds like the engine is running out of fuel. The reason it responds
to a throttle snap is because the accelerator pump provides a shot of
fuel from its own reserve. I suggest starting with the basics, like checking
the fuel filter. In your year vehicle, it is at the inlet of the carburetor.
But be on the watch for a fuel filter in the fuel line between the gas
tank and fuel pump. It was not uncommon for an additional filter to be
installed to save on the small one in the carburetor. A restricted fuel
filter will allow enough fuel for your engine to idle and to move the
truck about. But with increase snow/load more fuel is needed to push that
white stuff. If a plugged fuel filter is choking off the fuel supply a
shovel will work faster than your plow truck.
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