Chevy 350 TBI Bogs on Acceleration: Causes and Solutions

by

Chevy 350 TBI bogs on acceleration when there are issues with a few components of the vehicle and this can be frustrating. What is more irritating is the fact that there are many causes of this problem and going through all of them is a mountain climb.

Chevy 350 TBI Bogs on Acceleration

However, we’ve narrowed the list to the most common ones which you’re more likely to suffer. We’ll also provide solutions to these issues and answer some pertinent questions regarding this problem.

What Reasons Can Cause Chevy 350 TBI Bogs on Acceleration?

The reasons that can cause the Chevy 350 TBI engine stalls and bogs on acceleration include a defective fuel delivery system, a damaged ignition system, and muffler restriction. Sometimes a catalytic converter restriction and an air filter restriction can cause the engine to bog down when accelerating.

– Broken Fuel Delivery System

When the engine doesn’t get enough fuel, it’ll result in slow acceleration because the engine relies heavily on the right amount of fuel for power. It mixes the fuel with air in the right proportion and then combusts the mixture to produce power.

Causes of Chevy 350 TBI Bogs on Acceleration

This power then drives the vehicle forward based on the amount of pressure applied to the acceleration. Thus, if the fuel delivery is faulty it won’t deliver the correct amount of fuel the engine needs to operate optimally.

– An Ignition System Acting Up

If any of the components in the ignition system is damaged or off, it affects the acceleration of the engine. Major components like spark plugs, induction coil, storage battery and distributor can all bog the engine.

 

However, among all the parts of the system, spark plugs are the most commonly damaged components. Thus, whenever you suffer a bogged acceleration, be sure to check them out first because they could be the source of the Chevy TBI problems.

– A Restricted Flow of Air Through the Air Filter

When air is unable to properly flow into the engine due to a blocked air filter, it can bog the vehicle’s acceleration. The engine uses air in its combustion process but usually, the air coming in contains contaminants that can obstruct the combustion process, hence the air filter.

The filter ensures that “clean” air gets into the engine by keeping out dirt and debris. This debris can accumulate on the filter and clog it, preventing the engine from receiving the amount of air it requires and this stalls the acceleration.

It can sometimes cause Chevy 350 TBI rough idle in gear where the engine shakes uncomfortably even when the brakes are pressed down while idling.

– A Restricted Flow of Exhaust Fumes Through the CAT Converter

The same principle applies to the catalytic converter, which turns harmful exhaust fumes into environmentally friendly gases. The catalytic converter is the part attached to the exhaust pipe where it filters and converts the harmful fumes.

Occasionally, the CAT converter can get clogged and if it is not cleaned, it can lead to a Chevy TBI exhaust backfire. It can even cause a complete engine breakdown in a worst-case scenario.

– A Leaking Vacuum Line That Runs Through the Engine

A vacuum line leak can hinder the air/ratio mixture and the result is a bog on the acceleration of the engine. Vacuum lines run through the engine of the car, transmitting power to various components.

Thus, if these are broken, they won’t supply enough air to the engine which hinders the combustion process. An ill-timed combustion process could result in engine stalling, bogged-down acceleration or a hissing sound from the engine.

– Poor Fuel Pressure From Congested Fuel Filters

Your Chevy 350 TBI engine can bog on acceleration when it experiences low fuel pressure caused by clogged fuel filters. The fuel pumps themselves have a limited lifespan and if they are not replaced in time, they’ll affect the delivery of fuel to the combustion chamber. You’re even more likely to hasten the process if you drive frequently in dusty areas.

– A Clogged Muffler From Exhaust Fumes

A muffler is a device attached to the car’s exhaust that dampens the noise from the engine and reduces emissions just like the CAT converter. When the muffler is clogged as a result of debris from the air or exhaust fumes, it can hinder the flow of the exhaust gases. This causes many Chevy 350 TBI problems, including bogging down its acceleration.

What Are the Best Ways to Fix Chevy 350 TBI Bogs on Acceleration?

The best way to fix Chevy 350 TBI bogs on acceleration is simple cleaning of the components. With this, they’ll begin operating normally again, but you’ll need to replace other parts because they may be damaged and cleaning them won’t do any good.
Make sure you check all the devices and systems to identify the specific ones causing the problem before taking steps to fix them.

– Fixing a Faulty Fuel Delivery System

To fix the fuel system, you need to check all its components to figure out which one is responsible for the bog. The first place to check is the fuel filter because a clogged filter can restrict the flow of gas to the engine. Replace the filter if it is the culprit and your problem should be solved.

Solutions of Chevy 350 TBI Bogs on Acceleration

However, if the filter is clean and functioning properly, then the next part to inspect is the fuel pump. A bad fuel pump won’t disperse enough gas into the cylinders for combustion. Thus, change the pump when you discover it is damaged to ensure it supplies enough fuel to the engine.

You can also check the fuel lines for leaks to ensure nothing is obstructing the smooth flow of fuel to the engine. The line is found underneath the vehicle and it runs from the back to the front of the vehicle. Thus, you need to place the car on jacks and follow the line by feeling it to make sure it is not clogged. If you find any part of the line leaking or clogged, you can replace it.

– Repairing a Broken Car Ignition System

First, ensure the battery is fully charged and start the vehicle again. If the problem persists, then inspect all the fuses in the ignition system and replace the damaged ones. Also, check the wires and replace the bad ones because they could be causing the issue. If all checks out, then inspect the distributor cap and rotor for any damages and swap them for new ones.

You’ll also need to inspect the ignition system and to do this, you’ll require a multimeter and a test light. However, you’ll need to disconnect the negative terminal of the battery for safety precautions and then locate the ignition control module. Connect the multimeter to the ignition control module (ICM) and check for continuity between the terminals of the ICM. If you don’t find any continuity, it is a sign that the ICM could be damaged and needs replacement.

If you find continuity, then attach the multimeter’s positive lead to one of the ICM’s terminals and attach the other terminal to the ground lead. Now, check the reading on the multimeter and if it falls between 0.5 and 1.5 Volts, then the system is working perfectly. Next is to check for power at the positive terminal of the ICM with the test light. When the test light shows no power, then one of the fuses may be blown or the coil may have developed a fault.

– Fixing a Restricted Air Filter and a CAT Converter

The popular way to do this is to remove the air filter which is located under the hood. Then hold it up to the sunlight or any other light and look through the filter. If it is transparent, then you don’t need to worry, but if you can see restrictions in the filter, then it’s time to clean it. First, remove the air filter and its housing then spray it with a specialized cleaning agent and allow it to soak for an hour.

You can then rinse the filter with water and let it dry in the sun or a no-dust area. Once it’s completely dry, saturate the filter with fresh filter oil and replace it.

To clean the converter, simply remove it and soak it in soapy water overnight. Take it out, rinse it and dry it in an airy place. You can also use a converter cleaner to remove all the dirt and carbon accumulated in the device. If all these don’t work, then the converter needs replacement.

– Inspecting and Repairing a Congested Car Muffler

To inspect a clogged muffler, park your car on level ground and jack it up so you can go underneath. While there, look for the oxygen sensor located on the exhaust pipe and disconnect its wire.

Then with a wrench, disconnect the sensor and insert a vacuum gauge into the hole. Switch the engine on and let it idle for about 5 minutes then check the reading on the gauge. If it is below 18 in-Hg, then the muffler is clogged and the only way to fix it is to replace it.

Why Chevy 350 TBI Bogs on Acceleration

Conclusion

We’ve explained why Chevy 350 TBI misfire under load and proposed various ways by which the problem can be rectified.

Here is a recap of all the important points mentioned in this article:

  • A clogged muffler, a restricted catalytic converter, a faulty ignition system, and a broken fuel delivery system can cause a bog down during acceleration.
  • Other issues include a poor fuel pressure and a leaking fuel line, which can prevent the engine from receiving enough fuel to produce power.
  • Most of these vehicle issues can be fixed by simply cleaning the components, however, others need to be replaced to get the most out of the system.
  • Fortunately, you can do the cleaning yourself for most of the components, but if you’re unsure, you can fall on a mechanic for assistance.
  • Keep in mind that you need to check each of these components to be sure of the faulty one so that you can know exactly how to fix the problem.

Cleaning these parts of the vehicle will ensure that the car engine gets the right amount of air and fuel to combust properly to avoid bogging down. If you’ve checked all these parts and you find no problems but the Chevy 350 still stalls on acceleration, then contact a professional to help you out.

5/5 - (15 votes)
Ran When Parked
Latest posts by Ran When Parked (see all)