Shifting question ih loadstar 1600

[Finagler]

We just got a '70 Loadstar with a 345 engine in it. Replaced the starter, coil, points, cap, rotor, dist., resistor, plugs and wires and got it running strong but can't seem to figure out shifting patterns to get it into high gear. won't go over 40. Timing is set at 5 BTDC, the first mark on the plate lining up with the white dash off the #8 plug. Points gapped at .018. It's got the red switch on the stick to shift from hi-lo. Anyone got an idea if this should be run low 1-4 then high or split 'em all the way up to 5th? Any help would be appreciated, as it seems we got no high gear power to even get up on-ramps.
 

[IrishMike]

Hello, if you are running empty or very light we use to go thru the gears and the shift it in to high. You would split the gears if load and or taking off on a grade. You may need to check and see that the 2-speed motor is working the way it should, could be wiring,fuse, etc. If you need a wiring diagram, etc. I have those, just email me and I can send one back to you, Mike
momanning@godisforyou.com
 

[Finagler]

thanks. would appreciate it though it appears we just cooked our coil somehow even though it has a resistor. splatters and drips everywhere. got this one from the local autoparts store, maybe it's mot strong enough for our needs. will let you know how it goes.
 

[Finagler]

Heard that a restriction in the exhaust could cause power loss as well, although the fuel lines look to be a bit on the old side. Would a restricted heat riser be enough of a cause to prevent power and how would i get at it? Feels more like fuel isn't burning fast enough, plugs are clean.
 

[Finagler]

well, coil seems to be ok, timing set at #8 at TDC rotor pointing to such, but now can"t even get her to move in first or in reverse. Sounds like it"s running rich but I think this may be a clutch problem, though I"ve only really dealt with engines. Upon switching it from 1st to rev, the driveshaft hardly moves. 2-speed gear on axle sounds like its operating, though, yet it"s hard to tell. Gettin" a bit stumped on our 345. thanks for all your help-the information I"ve found so far is a beaut".
 

[IrishMike]

Hi ,in the info I sent you there is a section or 2 on clutch. What you describe kinda sounds like the clutch is slipping??? Do you get a smell like over heated brakes??? If so, the yes it is time to do clutch work, Mike
 

[BSer]

Years ago I used dozens of loadstars; several that were gutlass had the fuel lines restricted by built up rust on the inside. test for this by running a flex hose from the fuel cap opening to the fuel pump. This will test the system.
 

[Finagler]

Well, after taking a break and getting some out of state work (out of CA) we are looking at the clutch plate as a possible culprit. as soon as we figure out how, will let you all know the results.
 

[Finagler]

Thanks, just got back to working on it after some out of state work to me away for awhile. Been having login problems here as well too so hope you can receive this. Also looking at possible clutch issues.
 

[Finagler]

Loosened the clutch linkage to let out some free play. Was a little tight so figured it wasn't releasing enough to engage the clutch. Just spun the threaded bolt out a little at the trans but can't go much further. Wasn't the handbrake, though, but that needs to be tightened also, or maybe resurfaced. Clutch engages at very top of release stroke, but it finally goes like gangbusters.

Fuel lines and hoses look pretty bad though, with a leak coming from top of passenger side fuel tank. Hoses pull form bottom of tank so I'm suspecting some junk in there. Looking into taking it off and repairing, as well as replacing all hoses. Still can't seem to get the back-up lights to work, prob switch on trans or somewhere isn't sending a signal, same with the fuel gauge. Someone sure mixed up a lot of wires in the fuse box. Going through them one by one.