Hi folks. I have a custom car with what I believe is a 1978 Pinto 2.3 liter, 4 cylinder engine and a 3 speed transmission.
It is sweet, smooth and good on gas. It runs nicely at low revs but putting a heavy foot on the gas pedal it seems to just pick up slowly, not a lot of acceleration.It doesn't rev out much . BY 3000 rpm it seems to not want to go much beyond that. Any ideas on how to get more go from it.
The motor has only done 3300 miles after a complete rebuild. What gas should I use. I believe 10/30 oil is also the right way to go. Synthetic is in it right now.
More questions. What oil filter will the motor take. I have a PF13 that came with the spares but the one in place is longer than a PF13.
Thanks... Fred
Hi All,
It seems strange that no one seems to know the answer to my previous questions which were quite simple. What is the recommended gas and SAE oil for the 2.3 motor ?
Someone MUST know?
I don't have a manual, thats why I ask.
Thanks
Hi Fred! You could probably go even lighter than 10-30, try 5-30 next oil change. I assume you could get away with regular gas unless you have raised the compression ratio in the rebuild.
I would start by checking for a vacuum leak. What is your vacuum at idle?
Then i would look and make sure that the accelerator pump is working on the carb.
If the carb checks out, I would start looking at timing. Is the cam timed properly in relation to the engine? Did you degree it when it was installed? How about your base timing- is it set right? Is your vacuum advance working properly?
Sounds like fuel issue to me. I would replace that fuel filter on the carb for starters, but it may just be time to get the carb rebuilt.
Fuel, 87 octane, unless it pings on you (which it shouldn't unless the motor is higher CR than stock)
Oil, I use 10w30 in my 87 2.3, but in the older motors I have with many more miles I have used 10w40 and in AZ I used to use 20w50.
Oil Filter, Pennzoil brand PZ-1 or Autolite brand FL-1A is the standard 1qt filter, but if you do not have enough room, you can use a (if I remember correctly) Pennzoil PZ-7 or equivalent (every parts store I have been in has an oil filter cross reference book somewhere near the filters.)
Really, there are five things to be considered as to whether a filter will fit or not.
1-thread size-yours is 3/4-16
2-gasket placement-the gasket must be against the machined surface of the block/adapter
3-diameter-too big or too small typically depends on the chassis the motor is mounted in
4-overall length-too long or too short, typically depends on the chassis the motor is mounted in.
5-relief pressure-(this usually only comes into play in clogged/extremely dirty filters) too high or too low can damage internal components-yours should be between 8-16 psi.
Your PF13 is an AC/Delco filter that is the equivalent to the PZ-19. (I use Pennzoil filters as a reference because I used to work for a Pennzoil shop.)
An old racer's trick to check the health of your fuel lines and tank....Backflush the gas filter into something after it is off to see what comes out. After you change the oil filter, cut the filter open carefully and look in between the filter "fins" or just pull it completely out and unroll it to see what you find. Spark plugs can also tell a story.
Is your transmission down shifting or going into "a passing gear?" Timing might be off also. Hope this helps along with the other inputs.
Hi Folks thanks for the replies.
As I don't have a manual, how can I check the ignition timing?
The symptoms I have suggest it may be retarded (sparking too late)
Get a manual, and a timing light. Then start from scratch on some basics. Timing, spark plugs, fuel filter, dirty carburator( plugged passages etc), air filter, fuel pump, cam timing.
The 75s and up seem to have a lot of smog equipment as well that might also be wreaking havoc. 1st check the cat convertor to see if its near plugged. Im not sure if its the old pellet type or the newer honeycomb style( aftermarket Replacement). The latter can get melted and start to plug up the exhaust.
Just some ideas. Hope you get it worked out.!
Thanks for the info. I just need to have better acceleration, Air filter is clean, plugs look good, light brown, but will check the other mentioned issues.
Thanks