68 Barracuda Convertible motor

I would agree that low fluid would give you the symptoms you are describing. If in the future it turns out something has failed in the pump, you may consider looking in to a pump from a Sebring convertible. I am sure one could be picked up from a salvage yard pretty cheap. I noticed the one in my 68 and the one in my 04 look pretty much identical except for the electrical connector.