Weber Hesitation...

[Mike Abild]

Hi, I just purchased a 1973 240Z with a three-speed automatic transmission and Weber DVG(?) carburetors... When I turn a corner (especially a right hand turn), the car hesitates and sometimes dies. It acts like it's not getting fuel... I increased the idle speed to 1000 rpm, but that didn't seem to help. Now, I'm thinking fuel pump... any similar experiences or ideas???

[Ramses]

It sounds like you are low on fuel. If you have enough fuel, check to see if there is an electronic fuel pump right next to the tank. Then check to see if it is wired correctly. I have both a manual and electric fuel pump. The electric one is not wired currently and she is running fine. The manual one get is power from the cam while turning over.

[jmortensen]

It's probably got the float levels too high, so that when you go around a right hander it floods temporarily. That's a pretty common problem with Mikunis. Floods out, nearly dies, then kinda catches itself and keeps on going. I doubt it's going lean, but if it was, I'd say float level for that too...

Truth be told you should probably just ditch those carbs and try to find a set of round top SUs. DGVs are fine by themselves, I think its that funky manifold adapter that makes that setup suck for a Z.

[Curtis240Z]

I echo Jon's opinion get a set of round top SUs you will be much happier. MSA sells the adaptor kit to make early SUs fit on your flat top SU manifold.

[Mike Abild]

Took it for another short run today... It's like the engine revs drop too low when cornering, and then hesitates before it catches up. Also, sometimes feels (sounds) like the automatic transmission is not downshifting properly and finally clunks into a lower gear and then takes off. I was looking at a couple of components in Haynes today called a "kick-down switch" (looks like it's under the dash above the accelerator pedal) and a "downshift solenoid" (mounted above the transmission pan). Given that the engine runs great at idle, would it be possible that the car is not downshifting properly and lugging the engine enough to cause it to hesitate and die?