Plugs..

[Beauford]

So I believe I have my small oil leak fixed (been running engine cutting it off) So engine is running really good but seems at higher RPM's there is a sputter. I decided while running to remove one plug connector at a time. Took off #4 and still running, took off #3 and it stopped. What gives?

[Mitch]

Your better off grounding the spark at each plug using a screwdriver. Removing the wire causes the spark to back up into the distributor body and can cause cross firing, playing havoc with the other 3 cylinders

[Big hammer]

And or damage the electronics!
LOL

[Tom Wesenberg]

Yep. definitely better to short the plugs to ground.
Killing one plug shouldn't stop the engine.
See if it still acts the same way when you short the plugs to ground.
If it does, then I'd do a compression check. If that's good, then I'd do a vacuum check with the engine at idle and at about 1500 RPM.
You can also use an unlit propane torch to check the manifold for an intake leak.

[Beauford]

Purdy. It was that paper cam gasket that was wrinkled I put on. Used a thick on with RTV over cam and what I was see after I'm assuming was residual oil from putting engine back in. With the tilt I had a bunch come out the back.

Back to plugs i shorted with screw screw driver and kept running. Just seems to have a slight miss

[Mitch]

when you short out each plug to ground do you get an rpm drop on each one? do it at about 800 rpm

[Beauford]

yup...I get a drop. Never had this motor to run at idle and he does now cold. I like it! Hood came in today!!! Come on front fenders!!!! Glad I'm made of money...makes this so much easier. LOL

[Mitch]

i sent you a PM on fine tuning the carb

[Tom Wesenberg]

Purdy. It was that paper cam gasket that was wrinkled I put on. Used a thick on with RTV over cam and what I was see after I'm assuming was residual oil from putting engine back in. With the tilt I had a bunch come out the back.

Back to plugs i shorted with screw screw driver and kept running. Just seems to have a slight miss

Like Mitch said, the high voltage wants to go somewhere, so it most likely jumped to the next cylinder in the firing order and that would be way early for the spark, so it pushed against the piston on the way up and stopped the engine.

Back in 1965 my neighbors thought it would be a funny joke to mix up the plug wires on my 55 Chevy 235 with a fresh overhaul. That joke took out some rod bearings, and I wound up buying a 265 and overdrive to rebuild and install.

[Beauford]

Damn Tom...in '65 I wasn't even thought of until '68 LOL

[DaWizard]

Hey Beauford, after rereading this it occurred to me. You changed the gasket and RTV between the engine and flywheel housing. Did you redial in the flywheel housing before reinstalling the flywheel and tranny? Since this is a seriously critical area, I believe you should at the very least check to see if it changed.

[Beauford]

It's dialed in. Had a very good and old Model A'er do it for me. He said back in the day...he's almost 90, they never did this but he learned it at a club meeting and thought it made sense.

[BILL WILLIAMSON]

Removing a plug wire/strap, "can" possibly cause ALL spark to jump THROUGH the rotor to the shaft & engine DIES!
UNUSED spark HAS to go "somewhere"---It's even more critical on cars with electronic ignition!
Bill W.

[Beauford]

Rusty is running now better than ever! I got up to 40 I think...no speedo installed yet and slammed on the brakes and she stopped on a dime!! Almost body time but have to fit, paint front fenders, aprons, hood, tank....