396 with Edelbrock 1406 running issue

[UKSquarebody]

Hi all,

I have a fresh built 396 BB in my truck. Its nothing trick, just a refresh (new rings/shells etc), with a mild Summitt cam.
It's running a 1406 Edelbrock that was new 3 years ago - with only about 500 miles use on it in that time.
The truck has not been on the road yet (just finishing up some trim work), just moved around my workshop since the rebuild.
It has always fired straight up and idled really nice, revved up well -=never an issue.
I went to move it yesterday and it sounded like it ran out of fuel - suddenly went really flat and spluttered. Put fresh fuel in. It fires straight up still, and then runs really flat and splutters within 30 secs.
Before I start pulling stuff - whats your thoughts? Pulled some crud through the tank into the carb?
Take the top off the carb and clean out - with fingers crossed?
I do paint and body - not mechanical. I know 'stuff' - but looking for pointers before sending out to mechanical shop - especially if something dumb like some crud in the fuel bowl is likely.

Cheers,
Keith

 

[fast 99]

Re-starting a cold engine time after time can foul plugs. Pull one or 2 check the condition.

 

[ChuckN]

Check your fuel filters- could be clogged. Also, if it wasn’t ethanol free sitting in it, could’ve varnished by now
and gummed up the carb a little.

It’s not hard to take the top plate of an Edelbrock off if you want to look inside the bowls- just a series of torx head screws after you undo the linkages. If you’re not familiar with them, just take a picture for reference before you start.

 

[Rickf]

Check the easy stuff first, plugs, fuel filter & fuel supply (pump) then junk in the carb. If the easy stuff looks ok, think about an ignition module. What type of distributor are you running?

 

[UKSquarebody]

Thanks for all the replies.
It's running an HEi dizzy.
Was thinking to check plugs - I get what you say about fouling up with short runs - but it fires and runs sweet straight off - but then goes flat. Surely fouled plugs or an HEi issue would be there from the get go?

 

[85K304SPD]

All the basics: Bad gas, dirty carburetor, fouled plugs. They all go together. Also the contacts on the distributor cap and rotor can get corroded, especially the aluminum ones.

 

[Buck69]

Can you catch it when it sputters and rev it up a bit or does it just die?

 

[Ricko1966]

Put a shop towel in the exhaust and start it.Then go see if the shop towel is still in the exhaust.

 

[UKSquarebody]

All sorted.
Took the top off - found the filter left hand float was clogged. Cleaned out and reassembled - good as ever.
New inline filter now fitted!!

 

[1975 fleet]

Hi all,

I have a fresh built 396 BB in my truck. Its nothing trick, just a refresh (new rings/shells etc), with a mild Summitt cam.
It's running a 1406 Edelbrock that was new 3 years ago - with only about 500 miles use on it in that time.
The truck has not been on the road yet (just finishing up some trim work), just moved around my workshop since the rebuild.
It has always fired straight up and idled really nice, revved up well -=never an issue.
I went to move it yesterday and it sounded like it ran out of fuel - suddenly went really flat and spluttered. Put fresh fuel in. It fires straight up still, and then runs really flat and splutters within 30 secs.
Before I start pulling stuff - whats your thoughts? Pulled some crud through the tank into the carb?
Take the top off the carb and clean out - with fingers crossed?
I do paint and body - not mechanical. I know 'stuff' - but looking for pointers before sending out to mechanical shop - especially if something dumb like some crud in the fuel bowl is likely.

Cheers,
Keith

 

[Copymutt]

At the risk of being shunned, pull that 1406 off & replace with a Qjet.

 

[Strick]

I've been running a 1411 Edelbrock on this girl for over 20 years. 1406 is 600 CFM & 1411 is 750 CFM. WOT it will still give out, it's not a 800 CFM Q-jet or a double pumper Holley. It is very reliable tho.

You must be registered for see images attach

 

[Strick]

It is a factory '69 396. Still has the GM stamping on the bearings. I pulled the rear main back in '00 & put in a new rear seal, timing chain (replaced factory Morse) & oil pan gasket. I drive it a few times a week now but it's getting a healthy appetite for oil as of late. Must have something to do with over 50 years of sevice.. FYI, I still unleash the BBC for pleasure & smoke-shows!

Strickland

 

[82sbshortbed]

I've been running a 1411 Edelbrock on this girl for over 20 years. 1406 is 600 CFM & 1411 is 750 CFM. WOT it will still give out, it's not a 800 CFM Q-jet or a double pumper Holley. It is very reliable tho.

You must be registered for see images attach

Nice looking ride!!

 

[Strick]

Nice looking ride!!

Thanks man. I've torn it apart twice in the 31 years I've had it & getting ready for round 3. My 396 is tired but still fires. I have another to replace it along with some new fenders & hood. I love my old car & feel like the 18 year old that resurrected it each time I drive it. Thanks for commenting. F-bodies & Squares have been my life.

HS