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Acceleration problem 1948 Desoto 2 very different diagnoses
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kfunnyman
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Sep 17, 2011, 1:53 PM
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Acceleration problem 1948 Desoto 2 very different diagnoses
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1948 Desoto all original(6 volt, etc..)
Recently the car seems to not have nearly as much power upon acceleration, taking longer than usual to get to normal speed and also the engine is slightly louder. I thought the problem might be beyond my skill set. I took the car to two (2) different mechanics. The first one told me I needed a new distributor. The 2nd said I had a blown head gasket. How is it possible to have 2 such varied opinions? Suggestions, please. Thanks.
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Discretesignals
Ultimate Carjunky
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Sep 17, 2011, 3:39 PM
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Re: Acceleration problem 1948 Desoto 2 very different diagnoses
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Check engine light on? Have you checked to see if the catalytic converter is plugged?
Since we volunteer our time and knowledge, we ask for you to please follow up when a problem is resolved.
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Discretesignals
Ultimate Carjunky
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Sep 17, 2011, 4:21 PM
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Re: Acceleration problem 1948 Desoto 2 very different diagnoses
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 Hopefully you know I am kidding... Would be funny to pull into Autozone and ask them if they could scan the computer.
Ok...serious time.
Does the engine surge, skip, backfire, etc. when your accelerating?
Have you checked to be sure you don't have brakes dragging?
Since we volunteer our time and knowledge, we ask for you to please follow up when a problem is resolved.
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kfunnyman
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Sep 17, 2011, 4:59 PM
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Re: Acceleration problem 1948 Desoto 2 very different diagnoses
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I knew you were kidding. :-) None of those symptoms. Just slightly louder. Thanks. By the way, I disabled the check engine light a long time ago!
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Discretesignals
Ultimate Carjunky
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Sep 17, 2011, 5:48 PM
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Re: Acceleration problem 1948 Desoto 2 very different diagnoses
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What test did the one mechanic use to determine the head gasket was the culprit? Are you loosing coolant, burning coolant, or have some type of compression issue related to the head gasket?
The other mechanic wanted to replace the distributor. Why? Is the timing off or jumping all over the place?
Since we volunteer our time and knowledge, we ask for you to please follow up when a problem is resolved.
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re-tired
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Sep 17, 2011, 9:32 PM
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Re: Acceleration problem 1948 Desoto 2 very different diagnoses
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A couple of fairly easy tests will confirm the basics. Pull the plugs , are they the proper plug at the correct gap, are they wet with fuel or burnt looking ?While plugs are out do a compression test, are all close to same reading. With eng off look down carb and work the throttle full stroke , are you getting a solid squirt of gas ? Remove dist cap , are points not pitted and set at proper gap. Is the plate they are mounted on able to move , is there a vacumm device for advancing the timing ? Get or rent a vac pump and hook to vac device or suck on it . Does the point mounting plate move? Back together. Have some rev eng while you feel exhaust ..Is there a good flow ? Some old pipes where double wall and the inside would collapse.If the compression test is erractic or your loseing coolant, a combustion gas test by a shop will tell the story of the head gasket.
LIFE'S SHORT GO FISH
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
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Sep 18, 2011, 12:40 PM
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Re: Acceleration problem 1948 Desoto 2 very different diagnoses
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All great suggestions. I doubt the head gasket but with some tests you could know. Should be easy on a flat head which I think this has.
They make a pistol like hand vacuum pump with gauge on top - handy sucker for testing anything with a diaphragm and under $50. Cool tool to own for assorted things.
Go for it, check all the suggestions and if still 6v get the points right by gauge and look for a spike and a hole meaning condenser doesn't match! If so you can clean them but they won't last. Wobble the distributor shaft. Shouldn't move much. Check with feeler gauge how far points might move as a clue.
God I feel old!
Tom
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Richard c
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Oct 31, 2011, 12:05 PM
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Re: Acceleration problem 1948 Desoto 2 very different diagnoses
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Something you can check yourself: Some had a mechanical double diaphram fuel pump that would assist the windshield wipers, the wipers worked on vaccuum until the electric wipers came out. If the upper diaphram will have a tube going to the wipers the lower would go to the carb. Depending on which diaphram is cracked smoke will come out the exhaust or petrol will get in to the engine oil and/or less fuel to the engine loss of power and loud carb noise.
I had an above related problem on my 52 Cad.
(This post was edited by Richard c on Oct 31, 2011, 12:08 PM)
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