Engine cuts off under fast accelleration

[jforest1]

Not sure this is the right board for this post, but here it goes:

I've observed that after WOT accelleration and either 1.) hard braking or 2.) hard cornering, if I take my foot off the gas, then the engine goes limp.

I believe this is normal for older cars--at least I saw it happening to other folks in chase scenes in movies.     

Can please someone explain why the engine is dying?  What are the components involved in that process and how are they interacting to cause it?

Extrapolating from that, what's the proper technique to avoid it dying.  I assume backing off the gas gradually (though I haven't confirmed it yet)...are there other/better ways to keep it running?


Thanks!

JF

[nqkjw]

Shouldn't be happening.
It's got a problem although probably only a minor tuning issue.
Low float levels or lean mixture screws would be a good place to start.

[burdar]

Before you start messing with carb settings, make sure the engine is getting enough gas.  Check the sock on the sending unit.(it could be plugged with junk from the bottom of the tank)  Also, install a new fuel filter. 

You could be running the carb out of gas under acceleration if your filter is plugged.  Check the basics first.

[nqkjw]

Before you start messing with carb settings, make sure the engine is getting enough gas.  Check the sock on the sending unit.(it could be plugged with junk from the bottom of the tank)  Also, install a new fuel filter. 

You could be running the carb out of gas under acceleration if your filter is plugged.  Check the basics first.

Very true

[73Chally]

Since it happens under both hard acceleration and hard braking, I would lean towards checking the float levels, first.  As far as being normal for old cars, that comes from people who have improperly tuned engines.  When everything is set up correctly, you should be able to drive it hard without any problems.