AMC 360 Lack of Power

[jb81cj7]

I have an AMC 360 in my 85 wagoneer. I've been experiencing a lack of power lately. The waggy doesn't like hills and he doesn't like to accelerate much. I've checked the compression and all the cylinders are within minimum compression and only about 15Psi difference in each cylinder at most. Intake manifold vacuum is around 18 and floats between 17 and 19. Does someone have any suggestions of things I can check out.

Thanks a lot
proud owner of a 85 Grand Daddy Wagoneer
Robert

[newbie]

Have you checked the timing? The ignition? If you're not noticing knock or black smoke from the tail pipes, it's probably not a fuel delivery problem, but rather a possible ignition/timing problem. Did you check your plugs???

[jb81cj7]

When I bought the truck I replaced the plugs, wires, ignition coil, distributor cap and rotor. I had to replace the plugs once because they were covered in a thick black sut and fouled out. To check timing with a timing light I'm only looking for misses right?

[Joe H.]

Find a buddy with a torch and cut off your catalytic converter. I did this today and WOW!!! All of a sudden, the 360 in my '91 has stones!

[jb81cj7]

The catalytic converter has already been removed. As a matter of fact anything that Remotely resembles emmisions equipment was ripped out by the previous owner. Do you suppose a vacuum leak somewhere could cause the lack of power?

[Chero77]

There are a lot of potential causes for a lack of power problem. If the engine otherwise runs fine, but over a period of time you've noticed poor accelleration it could just be that your accellerator pump is slowly wearing out. When its completely shot, you will get a lean backfire whenever you step on the gas. This is just one of many possibilities, but its easy to check out. Just remove the air cleaner and watch the discharge nozzles while you actuate the throttle. There should be a strong stream of fuel coming out of the nozzles. Do this with the engine OFF.

[Teach]

Quick question-lean backfire comes when you step on the gas, rich when you let off?

[reddog]

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by jb81cj7:
When I bought the truck I replaced the plugs, wires, ignition coil, distributor cap and rotor. I had to replace the plugs once because they were covered in a thick black sut and fouled out. To check timing with a timing light I'm only looking for misses right?<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>


Since your compression checks out then the soot on the plugs says your running rich. Sounds like a blown power valve, rebuild your carb!

Kerry

[Pepe401]

Reddog is absolutely right. If your plugs are covered in a black soot then you are running too rich. When you check the timing you want it to be about 8-12 degrees advanced. The timing light makes the task very simple if you have not done it before. Consult your jeeps spec requirements for timing. When I adjusted mine the book said 8 degrees was recommended but with the aftermarket headers, intake, and custom exhaust mine ran best at 12 degrees advanced. Good luck.