Unfortunately, my engine knowledge is not extremely vast, so I am coming here for help. TIA

I have a 1973 nova 350 that i recently acquired. When accelerating, it stutters for a moment, and sometimes dies. Today, I changed the spark plugs, s.p. wires, and air filter, and got a full service oil change. Additionally, I put Seafoam additive in the tank along with premium gas. I haven't put more than a gallon through the carb, but it still persists.

Any comments or suggestions?

If the car has sat up for long periods of time (four months or more) with out a preservative (stabilizer) in the gasoline the fuel system will be full of varnish and it will have to be disassembled and cleaned to get everything working properly. This includes the carburetor, gas tank, fuel filters, and have the lines flushed with organic solvent to clean them (I use acetone).

Big Dave

^^^ what he said ;)

plus, i didn't see it mentioned but take a look at the fuel filter too... change it also.


good luck and Welcome to Team Nova :thumbsup:


JohnnyRotten :D

Is the fuel filter in line, or in the carb?

Stock it is in the carb. There is a cloth sock on the pick-up that absorbs water and filters the big chunks.

Some models had an additional AC-Delco fuel canister style filter in the line after the fuel pump but before the carb for extra filtration area (a bigger chunk of paper is used than what will fit inside the carb inlet. This was used on a lot of the higher horse power rated motors that had a higher fuel consumption rate (horse power comes from burning gasoline so the high horse cars were not the mileage stars).

Big Dave