1977 5.2l 318 not running right

[RustyRatRod]

clearly he needs to install an HEI module with the magic E core coil!

that'll straighten it right out!

Oh lordy.

 

[RustyRatRod]

Also another point. When that van left the factory, the plug wires were all held down neatly away from things like exhaust manifolds that could burn through them, by nice little brackets. Whether you eliminated those or not, it needs them and the wires need to be routed correctly. Another point. You don't "need" large by huge plug wires for a stock engine. They won't fit in the factory brackets for one thing and big wires like that net you nothing in performance, so all you need is a good set of good old BLACK stone stock replacement wires.

 

[mygasser]

A lot of good suggestions here to try. Being this is your first vehicle, & I know vans are kind of difficult to work on with some things, if you did install new spark plugs, make sure you didn't accidently crack any of the porcelain on installation, it would cause a misfire & rough running problem. I pull the wires out of the cap 1 by 1 when its running to see where the bad cylinders are if you don't mind, MAYBE, getting a little shock doing it. It won't be hard doing that on a small block van with the engine cover off. Just my 2 cents.

i've got a pair of pliers with one end of a 3ft length of wire attatched to the jaws. the other end gets wrapped round a good earth on the motor and you can pull plug wires with no fear or a shock..... ever
neil.

 

[RustyRatRod]

i've got a pair of pliers with one end of a 3ft length of wire attatched to the jaws. the other end gets wrapped round a good earth on the motor and you can pull plug wires with no fear or a shock..... ever
neil.

Well, where's the fun in THAT?!?! lol

 

[mygasser]

Well, where's the fun in THAT?!?! lol

no more russian roulette pulling plug wires?