'78 L48 Hesitates at Acceleration

[Mike M.]

When I accelerate from a stop I get a slight hesitation before the car 'goes'. It only happens on the initial acceleration. It does seem to get slightly less frequent when the car is warmed up. If I ease into acceleration, it doesn't happen. My EGR and EFE stuff is not connected at this time (starting to sound like a leading question, isn't it?). Any ideas are much appreciated. I haven't replaced the spark plugs / wires since I've had the car - which has only been about a month. The previous owner didn't take very good care of it.

 

[JohnZ]

Generally that's the accelerator pump - either misadjusted or needs replacement. Sounds like a tune-up is in order first if it's been poorly maintained (plugs, wires, timing, idle mixture adjustment, air cleaner element, fuel filter, advance check, etc.); will give you a baseline to work from, and will disclose whatever "Bubba" fixes the previous owner did.

 

[Sensei]

Try tightening the secondary air valve tension spring about 1/8 turn.

 

[Evolution1980]

I replaced my accelerator pump this year. (It's actually just a little plunger.) Fixed my ("that") problem right up. Nice, because it had been bothering me for years now!