80 Olds driveability problem

[Steve J.]

I have an 80 Delta 88 v6 that runs fine except it has no guts. Gets good mileage, idles & runs smooth, passes Calif smog. Has so little power it's dangerous to pass another car or merge on to the freeway. At WOT just before it shifts up it gives a _little_ surge of power, so I suspect it is ignition advance connected. Initial timing is correct.

Any help troubleshooting will be appreciated.

[Steve J.]

Originally Posted by Steve J.

I have an 80 Delta 88 v6 that runs fine except it has no guts. Gets good mileage, idles & runs smooth, passes Calif smog. Has so little power it's dangerous to pass another car or merge on to the freeway. At WOT just before it shifts up it gives a _little_ surge of power, so I suspect it is ignition advance connected. Initial timing is correct.

Any help troubleshooting will be appreciated.

ttt
I guess I shouldn't expect much. Heavy 4 door, 110 HP engine. Maybe an exhaust restriction? New muffler on it but cat might be plugged. Any way I can find out if exhaust is restricted?

[RABarrett]

Muffler shops can check exhaust back pressure. This is the only reliable method. Ray

[kpw olds]

You might also try the secondaries on the carb. If they don't open (because spring tension is too high) the car will be gutless! Check an FSM to adjust secondary door spring tension. Typically, want the spring to just hold the doors closed + 1/4 turn....

Good Luck!

[Steve J.]

KPW- It's a 2bbl.

I advanced the timing in 2 deg increments and it showed a little improvement at 20 deg initial.

I have found out that these little Buick v6's suffer from timing chain/gear wear. Is there any simple way to check this?

[kpw olds]

Slowly rev up and down the engine and watch the timing with a light--if its smooth, everything is okay, if not, its loose.

If in doubt, replace it. Its cheap insurance vs. being stranded somewhere...