1979 Dodge Truck hesitates when peddle slightly pressed

XCSPIRIT2

MEMBER
1979 DODGE TRUCK
V8
4WD
MANUAL
47,000 MILES

My 1979 dodge power wagon hesitates and has little power when I press the pedal down slightly. Then it will take off. I dont know if this is related but it also requires a little gas to keep it going till it warms up then idles fine. But when I start to go it will hesitate. Also once in a while it will start to want to die while I am driving it. But then will run perfect. Any idea?

1 Reply

CH112063

MECHANIC
1,320 POSTS

As long as the plugs and wires are good, and it does not need a tune-up the things to look for are vacuum leaks, the EGR coming in and it being too lean from the fuel system. In 79 the lean burn was also a problem but I doubt if you had that. On slight acceleration, the timing advances, the EGR comes in, and the idle circuit goes into an off idle circuit in the carb. A vacuum leak will cause two of these problems. The carburetor plugs, may need removal and you may try fattening up the idle a little. You can use a spray can of carb. Cleaner and try disconnecting the EGR valve.
A tune-up with Mopar parts and a carburetor overhaul was an everyday job until they went away. Could be electrical also. Choke coming off ok? Timing chain loose? Give it some ignition timing also. Ok Even the intake manifold was a problem because heat ran through it to help the fuel vaporize. Hard to do it online. Hope you understand. It must idle smooth.