2nd gear changes how the truck runs

[Tyler Wiersma]

Hello, first post but definitely have been using this site as a crutch for my build. Had a 350 sent off to the shop and completely rebuilt, only thing original is the block. Ran it on the dyno and it was great, got it into the truck and drove it ok for a few weeks (minor tuning), then one day when I shifted into second gear it started chugging. Idles fine and comes up through first gear beautifully. Second gear it power surges and chugs, i had to ride the clutch just to keep it running and crawl home in first where it ran completely fine. I checked plug gaps, timing, pulled the distributor and that looked fine (also brand new), I assume the carb is tuned fine since it runs fine in other gears. 2nd gear makes the whole truck lose its mind. Anyone know what might be the issue here? 3speed w/granny gear. Any help appreciated!

 

[Turbo4whl]

Hello, first post but definitely have been using this site as a crutch for my build. Had a 350 sent off to the shop and completely rebuilt, only thing original is the block. Ran it on the dyno and it was great, got it into the truck and drove it ok for a few weeks (minor tuning), then one day when I shifted into second gear it started chugging. Idles fine and comes up through first gear beautifully. Second gear it power surges and chugs, i had to ride the clutch just to keep it running and crawl home in first where it ran completely fine. I checked plug gaps, timing, pulled the distributor and that looked fine (also brand new), I assume the carb is tuned fine since it runs fine in other gears. 2nd gear makes the whole truck lose its mind. Anyone know what might be the issue here? 3speed w/granny gear. Any help appreciated!

Does this truck have electronic spark control? My '82 had this ESC with an add on harness. The extra length of the harness just laid on top of the bell housing. The split loom fell away and the wires rubbed through. Since you said this is only in second gear, maybe an issue with the wires and shifter?

 

[Tyler Wiersma]

That’s a good point, I didn’t think to check that as it had a crate 350 in it but it did originally have a 305 and those did come stock. Thanks!

 

[75gmck25]

I had a truck once that cut out/off almost every time I put the clutch in, and I thought it was a throttle or idle issue.

Turned out to be the signal wire running to my aftermarket tach was laying on top of the clutch pedal arm under the dash. When I pushed the clutch in it caught the wire and grounded the tach lead - no ignition!

Bruce

 

[Tyler Wiersma]

Went high and to the right with it and put in a whole new harness (original one was very messy anyway). Runs like a champ but 2nd gear jingles like there’s change in it at low rpm, oh well that’s for another day ha