I have a 79 and i ve just been getting some hesitation problems in 2st, 2nd and 3rd gear like the engine is starving for fuel. I checked some older posts and everyone says change the fuel filter. I m going to do that right away. Just wanted to know should also check and change the spark plugs as well. Just wanted to know some other recommendations. Any help is greatly appreciated.

 

The fuel fiter is a good place to start.
Check oil etc. Are the plugs/wires new?
I'd say change the filter and give 'er a tune up.

 

yes the air filter, plugs, and wires are less the 6 months. I know i have a bad oil seal cause i get alot of smoke on cold warm ups so i m sure the plugs are fouled up. I m going to take them out and take a look. Fuel filter i have never changed.

 

ok i just changed the fuel filter does any one remember the flow direction is?? Like is the flow towards the passenger side or towards the driver side? Any help is greatly appreciated.

 

anyone know please let me know

 

The arrow on the filter should be towards the fuel line going to the pump. In other words the fuel comes out of the tank then through the filter then through the pump.

 

yup, what he said.

 

ok so the arrow should be facing towards the passenger side? Sorry if this soulds dumb but i forgot to look at the arrow on the original filter.

 

ok so when u r under the car the line on the passenger side is from the tank and the line on the driver side is to the pump? Then that means i have the filter the wrong way and should turn it around?

 

ok i found out what was the problem. Aparently i decided to check timing as i did that i noticed the L1 spark wire was loose on the dizzy. Put some vasoline and tightend it a bit set the timing and i am good to go. didn't need a fuel filter but oh well no biggie. The car runs strong again. Thanks to all your help.

 

Consider the catalytic converters too..possibly be clogged up...if you're getting a lot of smoke out of the car, it'll be hard on the cats.

 

best thing to do, is a good tune up, oil change, spark plug, oil filter etc.

Then, if the problem reapears, it might be something else... The best way here is to search.

Max

 

thanks guys for all the help