427 down on power

[Excaliber]

"Reluctant to rev", that description just doesn't sound like a carb issue to me.
Verbal or typed descriptions/symptoms are particularly difficult to get a handle on, by the way...

Of course if the secondaries aren't working that will reduce the horse power, but it should not make it reluctant to rev. THAT description does sound more like:
Plugged exhaust (not likely).
Retarded mechanical camshaft timing.
Retarded ignition timing, base or advance curve incorrect or sticking mechanical advance.
Along with plugged exhaust factor in valves sticking in the guides or grossly misadjusted, which could give the same symptoms as plugged/restricted exhaust.
Weak spark, can't fire the fuel properly.

[patrickt]

Originally Posted by Excaliber

"Reluctant to rev", that description just doesn't sound like a carb issue to me.
Verbal or typed descriptions/symptoms are particularly difficult to get a handle on, by the way...

But if we give Southern the benefit of the doubt that the engine was running right when they put it in the big wooden box, then the problem was in the installation. If that's the case, then what jumps to mind is: 1) Carb linkage, 2) Ignition Box & Spark, and 3) Exhaust (yeah, there could be an obstruction). Ignition timing shouldn't change, valve timing shouldn't change, plugs shouldn't be fouled, etc. on 2 hours worth of running.

[PatBuckley]

...and inadequate fuel supply.

[FatBoy]

Thanks guys for all your input.

The exhausts are fine i.e. not plugged.
The ignition is an MSD 6AL with an MSD billet distributor.
It starts up and ticks over just fine after a few seconds of warming up.
I'm inclined to think it is fuel starvation. The plugs are very clean (possibly too clean). I'm going to pull the carb today to make sure there isn't any dirt in it.
With regard to "reluctant to rev", by that I mean it lacks power and starts to miss above 3,000rpm.

Thanks again.
Paul

[patrickt]

Originally Posted by FatBoy

With regard to "reluctant to rev", by that I mean it lacks power and starts to miss above 3,000rpm.

3000 is when most of our FEs are just starting to wake up -- and throw in the dieseling and you've got some real clues. How 'bout bad fuel? Water, alcohol, crap in the fuel? Put a timing gun on it and double check your timing at idle; anything between 10 and 15 BTDC will pass for now. But I don't think it's a timing issue, I'm betting on fuel (that means condition of the fuel, carb. adjustment, and linkage) or the spark.