Hi, my name is Jon and I am new to this forum. This is my first post. I think I read everything I was supposed to, but I apologize if my post isn't right.
Anyway...

Year: 1978
Model: F250 custom
2wd
Engine 6cyl 4.9L
Transmission: Not sure
Carb type: Not sure (will try and locate number if you guys think it's necessary)

Bought this truck last week as a project. It had trouble starting cold, but once it started it was ok. Took too much time to warm up though, and never reached normal operating temp. I replaced thermostat. Had an old battery, so I replaced that.

The guy I bought it from was using a can of Carb cleaner...just spraying a little near the choke flap on top before starting the engine. This was working for me as well. It wasn't needed once the engine was warm. The truck would start afterward once it was warmed up.

So now it won't start at all. I took the air filter off and sprayed the carb according to instructions on carb cleaner.

I checked the carb flap...it opens and closes easily when I touch it.

With the engine completely cold, the flap is all the way open. I've observed that, when I try and start the engine, the flap does not move.

I went ahead and bought a carb thermostat from the parts store but haven't tried installing it yet. Part should be here tomorrow.

Does anyone believe this isn't a carb issue? It's strange that the carb cleaner was working, but now it isn't (We had some really cold mornings here, and the cold killed the old battery).

Thank you,
Jon

 

When the engine is cold the carb flat [choke plate ] should be closed , once started it will open about a 1/4' and continue to open as the motor warms up.

 

Hotstuff...right, that's what I thought.

So if I replace the carb thermostat, do you think that will fix the issue? Like I said, the choke plate seems to be in good shape...easy to move, no real build up, etc.

What other part could it be if not the carb thermostat? Is there a spring that might need repair that the carb thermostat won't take care of?

Thanks for your reply, and anyone else as well.

Jon

 

proper setting of the thermostat is the first step ,it would help , if we knew what carb you have ? Don't know if you have a choke pull off or not , You may have other issues due to the need to spray carb cleaner to start the motor . when you pump the gas linkage do you see gas spray down inside the carb [ checking the accelerator pump ] ?

 

Jon it was -34 below zero with the wind chill here yesterday , so I understand cold , I just don't like it .

 

I'll check tomorrow (Friday) on the type of carb I have and get back to you. I have not idea how to set the thermostat...will have to look that up online.

I did see gas spray down inside the carb, by the way...

I imagine I will be looking at this issue all weekend. It seems more complicated than I first thought.
Thanks for the help.
J