84 cutlass accelerating very slow

[Mike804]

Recently got an 84 cutlass supreme and while the car is in park it revs up fine when you press the gas. But while in drive when I press the gas the car barely accelerates. I could push the peel to the floor and still the slow acceleration. What could be the problem? Please help!

 

[Opie Knievel]

My first thought is to check the timing. If the timing is set too low the car will be low on power when accelerating but will still rev almost normal in park.

 

[Mike804]

My first thought is to check the timing. If the timing is set too low the car will be low on power when accelerating but will still rev almost normal in park.

My mechanic said it could be that but he also said he had already advanced the timing so I wasn't really sure if something else could cause the problem..thanks

 

[pontiacgp]

did your mechanic just advance the timing till they hoped it was right or did he/she set it with a timing gun?

 

[Mike804]

did your mechanic just advance the timing till they hoped it was right or did he/she set it with a timing gun?

I definitely didn't see any gun being used...kinda turned it by hand...smh

 

[565bbchevy]

If the engine runs fine and revs well in park then it could be a transmission related issue.
And I have to question a "mechanic" that does not use a timing light to time an engine.

 

[lilbowtie]

A little bit of history of the problem might help since it could be so many things. Could even be a plugged cat (if you have one)

 

[Bill Creller]

If the mechanic didn't un-plug the distributor disable connector to the ECM, the ECM was moving the timing even while he was adjusting it, if it was running at the time....
Not sure that your mechanic was with the program.....

 

[lilbowtie]

Don't you love when someone asks for advice and ---------------

 

[88hurstolds]

Lockup solenoid could be stuck, unplug the lockup connection at the trans if it has one.