Topic: 65 "A" Code with Automatic Trans - Idling Issue while in Drive

[rocket289k]

Hi everyone,

I've run into a very strange issue that I haven't experienced before.  My car is an "A" code 289 with an automatic transmission.  The engine is completely rebuilt, the wiring / electrical system is brand new.  The engine idles just fine with no load however once you put the car into drive the engine runs very rough and threatens to stall or does in fact stall.  The carburetor is completely rebuilt (by Pony before Jon passed away).  There is nothing about the engine or electrical system that isn't brand new.

I was running a Pertronix Ignitor II and have now switched back to points (that seemed to help a bit strangely).  But the problem still persists.  Any thoughts?

PS - I do have a factory Rally Pac hooked up to the car. I have heard of issues with a Pertronix II (not the Pertronix I) with a factory Rally Pac.

Regards,

Ron

[CharlesTurner]

Have you tried bumping up the idle?  What rpm is idle set at now with the car in neutral?

[jwc66k]

Ron,
  Charles is correct, increase the idle to at least 800 rpm in neutral. The RPM will drop in gear. Use an external test tach, do not use the Rally Pac tach to set the idle. Your trouble shooting technique missed removing the tach from the circuit before sticking the points back in.
Jim

[rocket289k]

RESOLUTION - The Pertronix II I had installed had a problem.  Even applying a direct feed of current from the battery to the Pertronix didn't solve anything.  I installed a new set of points and the car runs great.

Thanks for the input guys.

Regards,

Ron